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r ~:_..:~ <br />B. Liddle and B. Munson -2- July 28, 1983 <br />The vegetation in the test plots has now been growing under natural <br />conditions for five growing seasons. Sufficient time has passed to allow some <br />initial conclusions to be drawn from the plots. Quantitative data should be <br />collected by species for each plot, and soil pits should be dug within each <br />lot to confirm soil de the and evaluate root development of the 4 major species. <br />T e ata col ecte should allow for an explanation of the unexpected test <br />plot results observed. Test plot data may be directly applicable to specific <br />aspects of the reclamation plan at Keenesburg. <br />2. The recently established test plots near the overburden stockpile should <br />be disked up and reseeded next spring. Re vegetation techniques employed <br />differed significantly from methods specified in the reclamation plan with <br />respect to season of seeding, timing of initial irrigation and control of weeds. <br />Also, a break in the irrigation line flooded a portion of the plots and appears <br />to have washed off a significant amount of seed and mulch. Techniques of <br />vegetation establishment in the test plots should correspond as closely as <br />possible to techniques specified in the approved reclamation plan. <br />3. The individual species test plots established in 1978 were also observed. <br />Sand lovegrass (Era rostis trichodes) has persisted quite well, contrary to <br />Dr. Berg's earlier pre fiction and appears quite robust and vigorous. Sand <br />lovegrass should be included in the final reclamation seed mix at a rate <br />comparable to that for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The individual species <br />trials involved comparisons of various cu tural practices. A quantitative <br />assessment of the vegetation should be completed, and a report assessing the <br />success of the various establishment techniques should be submitted to the <br />Division. <br />/mt <br />