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RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR GRASS SEEDING <br />COVER CROP: If possible, plans a cover crop of hybrid or long season grain sorghum, or forage sorghum from mid- <br />May to mid-June before planting grass during winter. This cover will hold the soil and grass seed in place while the <br />grass becomes established. If necessary, mow the cover crop before physiological maturity is reached to a height <br />of 12" to 18" to prevent sorghum seed from sprouting neat summer. Seeding rates should be four to eight pounds <br />per acre, with the higher seeding rates used on sandy sails. Planting should be done from northeast to southwest if <br />possible, or west to east if not. <br />PLANTING: Sometime between November 1 and April 30 when the ground is not frozen, plant the grass 1/4 to 3/4 <br />inches deep in seven inch to twelve inch rows. Planting should be done from northeast to southwest if possible, or <br />from west to east if not. Use a grass drill equipped with an agitator box, depth bands, and double disk furrow <br />openers with the drop tube placement directly between the disks. Use the seeding rates shown below if the seed <br />will be planted with a grass drill. If the site is too steep or rocky to use a grass drill, the seed can 6e broadcast over <br />the rise using twice the rate shown below. The sail should be raked and packed after broadcast seeding. <br />MULCHING New seedings not planted into a cover crop should be protected by a mulch of 4000 ponds per acre of <br />weed-free native grass hay crimped into the soil surface. Crimping the hay into the soil surface will help prevent it <br />and the grass seed from blowing away. It will also slow evaporation which will leave more water for seed <br />germination, and will retard weed germination and growth. Weed free straw can be used instead of grass hay if <br />grass hay is not available. Tackifier can be sprayed on the mulch to prevent blowing if crimoing is not practical. <br />WATER EROSION: Mulching may not be enough to prevent erosion on steep slopes or in areas of periodic water <br />Flaw. In these areas, install silt fences perpendicular to the direction of water flow. This will help to prevent wafer <br />from building up enough force as it flows to wash out the mulch or grass seed. <br />FERTILIZER: Because many weed species emerge before the grass will, any fertilizer applied will be utilized by the <br />weeds, making them more competitive. Fertilizer Is recommended only after a soil test Is performed to determine <br />the amount to apply. <br />WEED CONTROL: Mowing is the recommended method of weed control until the grass seedlings have reached <br />the five leaf growth stage. Mowing off the tops of the grass plants should be avoided. Timeliness of any weed <br />control operation is essential. Contact Colorado State University Cooperative Extension for herbicide <br />recommendations and best time for weed control. Weeds will need to be controlled by mowing or herbicides until <br />the grasses areestablished, usually the first four years after planting for native species (two years for introduced <br />species). Once established, the grass can withstand traffic and grazing. <br />COOCEY RESERVOIR MIX 8 <br />SPECIES VARIETY PLS# PERCENT PLSn/AC <br />Pubescent wheatgrass Luna 9.0 26.0 1.8 <br />Western wheatgrass Arriba or Barton 8.0 30.0 2.4 <br />Blue grama Hachita or Covington 1.5 10.0 0.2 <br />Sideoats grama Vaughn or Butte 4.$ 30.0 1.4 <br />These are general recommendations which should be tailored io each individual site according to future use, leneth <br />of desired establishment time, available water, etc. For further information, ccn[act the Natural Resources <br />Conservation Service at (303) 659-4177. <br />THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PROVIDER <br />