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<br /> <br />and under-utilization of the pastures. This grazing program <br />can only continue to deteriorate the ecosystems grazed. How- <br />ever, development of a comprehensive management plan that in- <br />cludes an appropriate grazing system could greatly improve <br />the vegetative condition and environmental qualities of Dowe <br />Flats. <br />B. Pasture Land Improvement <br />Field ~9 is presently established to introduce grass species <br />for the most part, with some native species dispersed throughout <br />the pasture. Productivity of this pasture is low compared <br />to its potential. However, one must recognize that due to <br />past erosion impacts, it will probably always be limited. <br />Consequently, re-establishment of the pasture to a new grass <br />seeding would be extremely risky at best. <br />Re-seeding in areas void of desirable vegetation is possible <br />if careful planning precedes the actual seeding. Only small <br />areas should be prepared for seeding at any one time. Reclama- <br />tion of these areas should include minimum tillage practices <br />with an annual crop establishiment in the spring followed by <br />seeding perennial grass species into the annual crop stubble <br />in late fall. Seeding of grass species in this area should <br />be performed with a grass drill having depth bands and packer <br />wheels. <br />The majority of this field could be greatly improved by ferti- <br />_ lization. Plant nutrient deficiency is obvious throughout <br />the pasture. Soil samples analyzed from this pasture in the <br />spring of 1987 were found to be lacking in nitrogen and phos- <br />phate. The recommended rate of fertilizer should be no less <br />than 80 pounds of nitrogen (N) and 80 pounds of phosphate <br />(PZOS) per acre unless soil analysis indicate otherwise. Animal <br />manures or similar organic material may be used to supply all <br />or part of the specified nutrients. <br />?~ The planned seasons of use for field n9 should only include <br />i~ summer, fall and/or winter. Spring deferment from grazing <br />for the next two to three years (minimum) is needed in order <br />to improve plant vigor, plant composition and stabilization <br />of the ecosystem. While on the other hand, fields #3 and ;~1 <br />should be grazed in the spring for a couple of years, allowing <br />the warm season plants a chance to recover from past overuse. <br />Research and experience indicate that the amount of use that <br />plants can tolerate under normal conditions varies greatly <br />according to the kind of plant, season of use, soil, climate, <br />-lZ- <br />