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<br />Page 3 <br />Once the manure/compost has been incorporated into the top soil and the surface is <br />fairly smooth the seed mix can be drilled. The attached seeding recommendation was <br />developed as a critical area planting, meaning the pure live seed (pls) seeding rates are <br />doubled from normal grass planting. The species recommended are for an Overflow site <br />with most of the grasses being a mid or tall grass. Ideally the grass should be seeded <br />using a grass drill with 7 - 12 inch spacing, have the capabilities of planting fluffy seeds, <br />be equipped with a seed box agitator, a small seed box for the heavier seeds(such as <br />switch grass), double disc furrow openers with depth bands and packer wheels. Seeding <br />depth should be set for seed placement at t/4" to 3/4" depth. Drilling speed should be from <br />4 to 4.5 miles per hour to accurately maintain the proper seeding depth. If broadcast <br />seeding is desired, the required seed rate needs to be double the rate of seed in column 5 <br />of the attached CO-ECS-5. The seed mixture should be drilled anytime between <br />November 1, to April 30. <br />After the grass has been drilled it will help to conserve moisture; prevent surface <br />compaction or crusting; reduce runoff and wind erosion; and establish plant cover to <br />apply mulch to the area. The material can be grass hay or cereal grain straw (weed free) <br />at the rate of 2,500 lbs per acre. Crimping the "mulch" into the soil is desired and can be <br />obtained with a disc plow by setting the discs straight and applying adequate weight to <br />crimp the straw 4 inches into the soil. <br />The reclaimed area will need to be protected from grazing livestock with adequate fences <br />until the grass stand is adequately developed. A minimum of three years should be <br />allowed with more time if needed to develop a healthy stand. <br />An additional benefit in reclaiming the site is in the development of wildlife habitat. <br />Trees and/or shrub planting can be incorporated which will provide cover and protection <br />for wildlife. If such an option is desired, please contact the Natural Resources <br />Conservation Service (NRCS) for assistance in planning for a wildlife habitat. <br />If there are any other areas in the reclamation process whereby you desire the assistance <br />of NRCS, feel free to contact our office @ 970-345-2364. <br />Sincerely, /,- <br />Duane Peck <br />Soil Conservation Technician <br />Cc. Washington County Conservation District. <br />Helping People Help the Land <br />M Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer