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• i <br />West Tennessee and Jones Sand and Gravel Pits <br />Chuck Webster <br />Topsoil Application and Soil Reconstruction (cont'd) <br />2) In those areas where topsoil cannot be salvaged or inadequate amounts of <br />topsoil are available, it is suggested that large amounts of some sort of <br />organic matter be incorporated into the top few inches of soil material. <br />This caill improve natural fertility and the water holding capacity of the <br />soil. Peat, barnyard manure, and wood chips are all good sources of organic <br />matter. Availability will probably determine which is most practical. <br />Seedbed Preparation <br />1) Generally, a minimum of preparation is needed following the "topsoil bind- <br />ing" tillage or incorporation of organic matter mentioned above. Operations <br />that leave a smooUb firm seedbed are needed. These will vary coith soil con- <br />ditions at the time. <br />2) On those areas where equipment cannot be used, efforts to assure good seed- <br />soil contact are needed. <br />Fertilization <br />1) All areas to be reclaimed should be fertilized according to soil test recom- <br />mendations. Soil tests should be taken following the incorporation of the <br />topsoil or organic matter. <br />2) To avoid leaching and volatilization, it is recommended that nitrogen be <br />applied in two applications. The first in the spring following seeding <br />and the second in the spring of the following year. <br />3) Phosphate, potassium, lime, and trace minerals should be applied during <br />seedbed preparation and incorporated into the top 2 to 4 inches. <br />4) Follow-up applications of fertilizer may be needed in following years to <br />assure vigorous growth. These applications should be based on soil tests <br />and the general appearance of the establishing seeding. <br />Seeding Mix <br />1) The following mix is suggested for both mine sites: <br />Species <br />Varied <br />Rate* <br />Smooth Brome <br />Timothy <br />Meadow Foxtail <br />Nard Fescue <br />Arizona Fescue <br />Cicer Milkvetch <br />White Dutch Clover <br />Ptanchar <br />Climax <br />Durar <br />Redondo <br />Lutana or Monarch <br />1.9 lbs. PLS/Acre <br />0.3 " <br />0.3 " <br />0.6 " <br />0.6 " <br />1.9 " <br />0.6 " <br />* PLS = Pure Live Seed, % Pure Live Seed = % germination X % purity <br />