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<br />~~' Some irrigated land on the Crystal River Ranch appears to qualify for <br />consideration as prime farmland. This area is disturbed only by a <br />part of the upgraded haul road. <br />The Crystal River Ranch's hay ground is seeded to a grass alfalfa mix: <br />usually including smooth brome, orchard grass, or occasionally oats. <br />Depending on fertilization, water management, and yearly variation in <br />the length of growing season, annual yields vary from about 3 to 6 <br />tons per acre from two cuttings. Without fertilization, sward <br />longevity ordinarily does not exceed 5 years. <br />Irrigation for this crop is necessary at 14-to 20-day intervals from <br />June through August. At its peak, water consumption is 0,23 to 0.25 <br />inches per day. Under these conditions, the effective rooting depth <br />of alfalfa for these soils is about 5 feet or less. This is well <br />above any local water table, and so precludes sub-irrigation as a <br />local essential hydrologic function. <br />The irrigated pasture on the Diamond 5 Ranch is almost exclusively an <br />orchard-grass monoculture. Local agriculture specialists indicate <br />that this is not a typical crop and that a mixture including other <br />species such as creeping meadow foxtail and smooth brome may improve <br />forage production and quality. The condition of these swards appears <br />to be decreasing. <br />Mr. Duane Gilfry is the long-time foreman for these ranches, but <br />operations are conducted by various lessees. One lessee produces hay <br />on the Crystal River Ranch property. This area appears to be in <br />excellent condition. Two lessees operate the Diamond S Ranch. One <br />leases the pasture ground and grazes cattle on it and the other leases <br />the hay ground. <br />.~ <br />3-8 <br />