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between the subsoil and the topsoil. After scarification, the topsoil should be <br />uniformly spread over the area. <br />3.) The seedbed should be well settled and firm, but friable enough so that seed can be <br />placed at the recommended seeding depth. The ideal firmness is when aone-half <br />inch boot print remains after walking across the soil surface. <br />If the topsoil is over-compacted by traffic or equipment, three steps are required to <br />prepare the seedbed. First, the soil should be tilled to break up root restricting <br />layers. Second, it should be harrowed. Third, the soil should be rolled or packed. <br />These steps establish the necessary firm seedbed. <br />4.) A soil test should be performed to determine the proper fertilizer requirement. In <br />lieu of a soil test, fertilize the entire area with forty pounds per acre of each of <br />available elemental nitrogen (N) and phosphoric acid (P205). The fertilizer must be <br />incorporated into the top two or three inches of soil using a disk or harrow <br />implement. Fertilizer should be applied either immediately prior to or at the time of <br />seeding. See step #7 for using manure as a fertilizer. <br />5.) The following seeding mix is adapted to the site, It will serve for the post-mining use <br />and will provide adequate soil protection. These species will tolerate natural <br />conditions and will survive without irrigation after they are fully established. <br />Species Variety Mix % Pounds/Acre* <br />alkali sacaton Salado 30 0.45 <br />switchgrass Blackwell 25 1.00 <br />galleta Floret 15 1.65 <br />western wheatgrass Arriba or Barton 30 4.80 <br />* seeding rates are given in pounds of Pure Live Seed (PLS**) <br />** PLS = purity x germination <br />6.) Seeding should be done using a grass drill. The drill should be equipped with a <br />satisfactory seeding mechanism, agitator, double disk furrow openers, depth bands, <br />and packer wheels or drag chains. The distance between drill rows should not <br />exceed twelve inches. Seed may be broadcast in areas which are inaccessible for <br />drilling. If the seed is broadcast, then the seeding rates in step #5 should be <br />doubled. The broadcasted seed should be uniformly distributed over the ground <br />surface and mixed into the soil either with a harrow or by hand raking. Planting <br />(broadcast or drill method) can be done anytime between November 1st and April <br />30th. Do not seed when the soil surface is frozen. The seeds should be planted <br />between 0.5 and 1.0 inches deep. <br />7.) Mulch should be applied to the reseeded area to help moderate soil temperatures, to <br />improve soil moisture absorption, and to improve soil-holding capacity of moisture. <br />Grass hay or cereal grain straw that is free of weed seeds is recommended for mulch. <br />Apply 4,000 pounds of mulch per acre to the soil surface. At least half of the <br />material should be ten inches or more in length. Do not use fine materials. The <br />mulch should be anchored either with commercial netting products (on slopes <br />steeper than 3:1) or mechanically. Mechanical anchoring can be accomplished using <br />a heavy disk implement with dull blades to punch the mulch into the soil two to three <br />inches deep. Crimping should not sever the mulch. <br />Do not mulch when wind velocities exceed fifteen miles per hour. <br />8.) Supplemental water, if available, should be provided during the first <br />two growing seasons to insure seeding success. Water should be <br />