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The organic matter content is low and very low. Organic matter aids in soil fertility and <br />retention of soil moisture. Organic matter may be improved through the addition of <br />amendments, such as straw or hay, incorporated into the soil with a disk. Standard practice is to <br />apply nitrogen with the organic amendment to compensate for the consumption of nitrogen by <br />microorganisms during the decomposition process. However, since the recommendation is not <br />to broadcast seed the site until next fall, no fertilizer should be applied at this time. Soils test <br />should be performed next fall to determine if adequate nitrogen is available. If nitrogen <br />fertilization is necessary, it should occur after broadcast seeding. <br />The standard recommended application rate for straw is .5 to 2 tons per acre. I recommend 1 ton <br />per acre be applied and disked into the soil this fall - early winter. In addition, a spring disking <br />should be preformed to further accelerate the decomposition of the straw and to help eliminate <br />annual weeds. The site should be disked a third time next fall prior to broadcast seeding. <br />Annual weeds should be controlled through the spring disking and at least one application of <br />2,41) to prevent excessive weed growth and conserve soil moisture. <br />In preparation of broadcast seeding, the seed should be treated with a mycorrhizal inoculum. <br />Attached is a handout of a product that may be applied to the seed prior to seeding, infecting the <br />soil with mycorrhizal, benefiting plant establishment. <br />Attachments: <br />Bulletins - Supporting Inclusion of Plant Species: <br />(Only those portions of a bulletin are included here supporting inclusion to a revised seed mix.) <br />Plant Fact SheetSAND nROrsEEn <br />Sporobolus cryptandrus (Torr.) Gray <br />Plant symbol = SPCR <br />Contributed By: USDA NRCS National Plant Data <br />Center <br />Uses <br />Sand dropseed produces considerable forage that is fairly palatable to all livestock. <br />Establishment <br />It grows best in association with other grasses but may grow in pure stands. Sand dropseed usually produces an <br />abundant seed crop. Many seeds are held between the stem and sheath until the plant deteriorates. Because seeds <br />remain viable for many years, this grass re-seeds itself readily on ranges following overgrazing or drought. It grows <br />best on sandy soils at lower elevations of its range. Also, it grows on coarse, gravelly soils and at elevations to 8,000 <br />feet. <br />Sand Dropseed <br />Sand Dropseed <br />Common Name(s):