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Se1V1Ce 1T1 ACTION Fertilizer suggestions for revegetation o1r disturbed lands J. J. Niortvedt, D. H. Smitfli and E,F. Redente' no. 0536 Quick Facts Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for revegetation of disturbed lands. Apply nitrogen fertilizers at razes based on nitrate- nitrogen levels in the soil and incorporate broadcast applications into the soil prior to seeding. Apply phosphorus fertilizers at rates based on soil test results. Incorporate broadcast applications phosphate fertilizers into the soil prior to seeding, Nitrogen (N) is the most Limiting nutrient in the establishment of grasses and other vegetation on disturbed lands. Mos[ of these lands are composed of mixtures of subsoil maerials with the previous topsoil so thaz the resulting surface layer may be very low in soil organic matter and available N. In most cases, application of some form of organic mazter would improve soil structwe and water-holding capacity, as well as provide some plant nutrients. Phosphonu (P) is the second most limiting nutrient for establishment of vegetation, while potassium (K) usualh• is not limiting for revegetation of disturbed lands in the acid West. Before seeding, the soil material should be tested to determine its fertility status so appropriate fertilizers can be applied and properly incorporated into the soil. Some of the soil parent materials (mainly mine spoils) may contain sulfides which will oxidize to sulfates if such soil materials are placed close to the soil surface. This will cause an increase in soil acidity (decrease in soil pF~. Increased soil acidity may result in seedling toxicity and would require lime application for seedling establishment on these sites. IGlowledge of the nature of the soil parent materials is needed to predict if soil acidi£cation will become a problems and m determine if lime incorporation into the surface :>oil prior to seeding is necessary. For more information on fertility requirements and cultural practices far the revegetation of disturbed lands, refer to Reclamation ojDrastically Disturbed Lands, a 1978 publication of the American Society of Agronomy, and Campground Sire Revegetation RelationsAips in Rocky Mo:mtain National Park, a 1969 Colorado State University Agricultumt Expetimem Station publication, Volume GS 955, File Na. 420. Soil Sampling The value of a soil test in predicting nutrient availability during revegetation relates directly to haw well the soil sample collected represents the area sampled. Take soil samples from a l-foot soil depth prior to seedling establishment. A good sample is a composite This information provided by: I. 1J. Mortvedt, Calcado State University Cooperative E.xtemicn soils ~pu:iali4 a~ D.N. Smith, profewr, sail and crop scirnces: E.F. RateMe, professor, rmgel:md eeoaynem science. ^LColorado Swe University Cooperative Ectension 7195. For more information cordact your couvty Cooperative Emeation odce. Issued N furtherance of Cooperative Extension work .acts of May S and lone 30, 1916, in cooperation with the U. S. ~~!I~~-!~'Ii~~^~ Depannrmt aF .tgriculture, Milan Resvero, intervn director of Coopeative Fxteoaian, Colorado Slate Univmsity, Fort Collirn. UNYCr51ty Colando. Cooperaive Extrnsion prognuns are available to as without discnmitwian. No endorsemcnt of praduaa caned is COOpeCdClVe intended nor is criticimr implied of producb not mentioned. Exten$lOn