Laserfiche WebLink
Seed Mix #7 -Recommended Varieties <br />Alfalfa - Lahontan (Vernal, Ladak 65, Dawson or other recommended flemish varieties)" <br />Orchardgrass - Latar <br />All species contained in Seed Mixes #5, #6 and #7 are introduced. The introduced species support the <br />proposed postmining land use, and the referenced literature and individuals (presented in the following <br />paragraph) support the fact that these species are desirable and necessary to achieve the postmining land <br />use. <br />Species selection forthe irrigated pasture mixes was based on (1) irrigated pasture mixtures should be simple, <br />with one to two grasses and a legume; (2) the legume should be a persistent, adapted, non-bloating species; <br />and (3) the grass component should be palatable, nutritious, persistent and compatible in the stand. Alfalfa, <br />the desirable legume for Seed Mix #5 is selected for its long history of production and longevity in the local <br />area. Dean Stenot, Soil Conservation Service local Extension Agent (now with the Bureau of Land <br />Management, Norwood Office), recommended varieties shown in Seed Mix #5. Birdsfoot trefoil, selected as <br />the legume for Seed Mix #6, is a long-lived perennial forage legume that is non-bloating, winter hardy, and <br />• adapted to a range of site conditions including poorly drained sites. Though a slow starter, once established <br />it is persistent in the stand, particularly if seeded in alternate rows. The seed must be inoculated with a <br />specific strain of Rhizobium bacteria. Other coal companies have used meadow brome in their operations <br />(specifically, Peabody's Big Sky Mine in Montana). The use of meadow brome is supported by the <br />enthusiastic recommendation of its use in irrigated pastures by the Colorado State University Experiment <br />Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Meadow brome is highly palatable but persists well in irrigated <br />pastures and has nutrient qualities at least as high as smooth brome. Orchardgrass has been a common and <br />proven component in irrigated pastures for years because of its palatability, nutrient qualities, compatibility <br />with legumes and other grasses, and productive ability. Creeping foxtail remain the best adapted desirable <br />pasture grasses for poorly drained or wet conditions. Garrison creeping foxtail is a good producer once <br />established, being both highly palatable and nutritious. <br />The species in Seed Mix #5 will function equally well for establishing the grass hayland type. Grasses are <br />dominant in the mix and the resulting stand will also be dominated by grasses. See Mix #6 has Alsike Clover, <br />Redtop and Timothy grasses. Alsike Clover is a nitrogen fixing legume that is suited to irrigated, wet <br />conditions. Redtop and timothy are rated "high" for cow, horse and elk feed preference. Feed preference has <br />palatability, nutrition, total digestible nutrients and other factors involve. In otherwords, livestock will readily <br />• go to Redtop and Timothy grasses for feed. Local ranchers and farmers are accustom to, have used and <br />(aevisea a/z~/oo) 2.05.4(2)(e)-8 <br />