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V.D.4.b Fertilizer. Fertilizer will be used only as needed to establish the desired vegetation. The primary reason for limiting or eliminating fertilization from the revegetation scheme is that it promotes annual weed growth to a greater extent than the desired perennial species. Competition from annual weeds, primarily cheatgrass, is the main hindrance to successful stand establishment at the Deserado Mine. Furthermore, nutrients are generally limited on the native range, thus, requiring the vegetation to be adapted to these conditions. If fertilizer is applied at the time of planting it will generally be limited to phosphorus. Nitrogen fertilization is well known to stimulate weed growth. However conflicting evidence exists as to the response of weedy annuals to phosphorusfertilization,thus, caution is advised. Soil test and vegetative signs of excessive nutrient deficiencies will be used as a basis for fertilizer applications. Once the seedlings have reached the second leaf stage they should be examined for evidence of stress from nutrient deficiencies. Nitrogen deficiencies generally express themselves as chlorotic yellowing starting at the leaf tip and poor vigor. Should excessive stress from nitrogen deficienciesbe observed ammonium nitrate, urea, or diammonium phosphatewill be broadcast. Phosphorus deficiencies generally show as purple color to the leaves and lower stems along with stunting. Some species may naturally show a purple coloration even when phosphorus is adequate. Care must be used not to improperly identify phosphate deficiencies. If phosphate deficiencies are observed triple superphosphateor diammonium phosphatewill be broadcast. V.D.4.c Mulch. Commercial mulches may be used for erosion control in situations requiring temporary control measures such as steep slopes with erosive soils (e.g., 1.5:1). Excelsior blanket, jute mesh or a bonded fiber matrix is applied in these situations. Jute mesh may be used on sites having south or southwestern exposures to reduce heat retention underthe material. Natural mulching materials used include hay, straw, and stubble mulches. Hay and straw are applied on severe sites that are steep or overlie shallow soils that would not support a nurse or stubble mulch crop. These materials are applied by spreading at the rate up to 2.0 tons per acre and crimped with a sheeps-foot roller, weighted disk or dozer tracks. Straw mulching is conducted following seeding on steep broadcast seeding sites and on drilled sites where a nurse crop or stubble mulching is not practiced. The straw or hay mulch should be free from noxious weed seed. Use of certified weed free mulches are recommended. As an alternative to straw or hay mulch, wood fiber mulch with tackifier maybe used at a rate of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre. V.D.4.d Seedbed Preparation. Seedbed preparation is accomplished in a manner that provides a micro-environment favoring the establishmentof emerging plants while enhancing surface retention of precipitation. Extensive roughening of the seedbed provides micro-sites for plant establishment. Maximum development of micro-sites is especially favorable to the establishment of shrub species ExhibitE-Reclamation Plan Rio Blanco Special Use Permit#81.1 September2000 V-24