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5.3.5 Evaluation of Reclamation Versus Control <br /> <br /> <br />After the thirteenth growing season the topsoil vegetation compares favorably to terrestrial or <br />control (caged) vegetation, with the exception of shrubs. The following summarization is a <br />comparison of reclamation versus native control areas in 2003: <br />Percent Cover Topsoil % Terrestrial Vegetation <br />Grass 38 38 <br />Forbs 4 15 <br />Shrubs 6 7 <br />Weeds 2 1 <br />Annual Grass 4 1 <br />Litter, Rock 8 Bare Ground 46 38 <br />Production IbsJacre lbs./acre <br />Grass 378 150 <br />Porbs 18 38 <br />Weeds 16 3 <br /> <br />I • <br />As shrubs mature, the shrub percent cover and production are expected to increase over <br />the next 10 to 20 years. This comparison indicates a need to stress shrubs in the seed <br />mixture. Grass production from topsoil areas continues to be greater than terrestrial <br />vegetation stands even in a dry year like 2003. however, the forb production from the <br />terrestrial vegetation stand is significantly higher than the topsoil plots after three dry years. <br />The revised species list with native species (Palmer's penstemon and scarlet globemallow) <br />will increase forb component. Species seeded on the topsoil areas are more productive <br />through the first thirteen years than native vegetation. <br />28 <br />