Laserfiche WebLink
• The overall composition and species diversity of the site is indicative of the generally poor <br />condition of the irrigated pasture type. Both Kentucky bluegrass and buckhorn plantain <br />dominate the composition of the stand and have frequencies of occurrence of about 90 percent <br />(see Table 2.04.10-5}. The considerable presence of quackgrass, field bindweed, and <br />dandelion is also indicative of the deteriorated pasture condition. Most of the operators <br />contacted indicated that a standard pasture mix originally was used to establish most of the <br />pastures. Smooth brome (Bromoosis inermis sso. inermis), orchardgrass, timothy, white Dutch <br />clover, and red clover occurred in the pasture type and are normally included in standard <br />irrigated pasture mixes. <br />The most productive, nutritious and easily managed irrigated pasture systems contain only one <br />or two grasses and a legume (Heath et al. 1985 and Stewart 1973). Proper stocking, grazing <br />rotations allowing for regrowth periods, grazing periods timed to irrigation frequencies, <br />controlling animal pressure during the off-grazing season, and fertilizer applications based on <br />soil tests are all components of good pasture management. Varying levels of these <br />management inputs are used by the local operators, but observations indicate none are at the <br />required levels. Woody densities within the irrigated pastures are incidental and a result of the <br />• generally low level of management applied. Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana) is a common invader <br />shrub of irrigated pastures in the Nucla area, with Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) <br />occurring at lesser levels (see Figure 4-2, Peabody Appendix 10-4). <br />Irrigated Hayland Tvae. The irrigated hayland type occurs on a variety of sails and landforms <br />within the study area. Generally, the lands with less steep slopes and deeper soils are <br />selected, however, steeper slopes and shallow soils may be encountered in any of these hay <br />fields. With the exception of one operator, fields are periodically renovated in order to <br />maximize hay production and quality. Renovation is oriented towards removing undesirable <br />weedy or poor producing species, eliminating sod bound conditions, and reestablishing an <br />alfalfa (Medicago satira) dominated stand with one or two associated grasses. The single <br />operator who does not periodically renovate, manages his hay field as a grass dominated <br />stand with a clover sub-component. This field is similar in composition to the better levels of <br />irrigated pasture. <br />• (REVISED 9/99) 2.04.10 - 34 <br />