_REPORT - C1981028 (4) - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Thickspike wheatgrass Thickspike wheatgrass is the only species in the wheatg-rass genus which grows in any significant per- centage in the Deep Sand range site of the Central High Plains . Although it comprised only a trace of the cover and one per cent of the biomass in the 1988 reference area, it can be predicted that it will make up a fairly good amount in reclamation seedings at the mine. The outcome of the 1988 sampling found that Thickspike formed no more than 3 . 6 per cent of the cover, one per cent of the biomass in the ' 85 RA and five per cent and three per cent for cover and biomass respectively in the ' 86 RA. Notwithstanding, it is recommended that "Critana" Thickspike wheatgrass be in the mixture to be seeded. A cool season species will be important in the predominantly warm season composition adapted to the area. Rhizoma Alfalfa Alfalfa exhibited fair to good short-term adapt- ability in the ' 85 RA where it constituted 11 per cent of the cover and 23 per cent of the biomass . There has been a continuing disagreement on the place of alfalfa in reclama- tion plantings in the West. For its value in nitrogen fixation , early cover , good production and food for wildlife it gets a fair to good evaluation. The strong competitiveness for soil moisture and space, and uncertain longevity make it objectionable. A recommendation to include alfalfa is not made here on the basis of this evaluation.