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13.2 Reclaimed Irrigated Pastureland Topsoil Preparation Procedures <br />Topsoil replacement operations may be carried out during most of the year, the exception being <br />those periods when wet conditions would preclude handling of the topsoil materials. <br />1- Ripping - Prior to replacement of the single lift topsoil, the graded Bench 1 Surface Spoil will <br />be ripped to reduce compaction. This will be done to a depth of 2 feet. This will be done by <br />dozer with rippers or a chisel plow. <br />2 - Land leveling - WFC uses a blade of 10' to 14' width pulled behind a farm tractor to level the <br />topsoil surface and allow a smoother surface for seeding. <br />3 -Rock picking - WFC will use a mechanical device pulled behind a tractor that rakes up large <br />rocks over approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. Rocks up to approximately 24" diameter can <br />be picked up by the device. The rocks are removed from the field. Sandstone lenses that are <br />identified in any topsoil or subsoil will be buried in lower bench 1 overburden replacement, well <br />below any rooting depth in the reclamation area. <br />4 - Fertility testing - This test is conducted within 3 months of topsoil placement. Three soil <br />samples will be obtained from the top 2 feet of soil in the field to be tested. The field is basically <br />defined as that area that has recently been topsoiled. Samples will be taken and analyzed by a <br />lab using the standard soil test for pH, salts, organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, and <br />phosphorous. The lab will be informed that the desired crop is irrigated pasture grass /alfalfa mix <br />and that the desired 1 st cut production is 1.75 tons per acre. <br />5 - Disking - Prior to final seedbed preparation, soil conditioning and weed control tillage will be <br />carried out through disking. Disking will relieve any topsoil compaction, will aid in controlling <br />weedy species, and will leave the site in a temporary roughened condition reducing wind and <br />water erosion potential. Disking will be used to condition soil, break up clods, and control <br />weeds through tillage prior to seeding. If annual weeds are a problem, several tillage <br />operations may be required to get adequate control. <br />Revised PR 06 June 10 2.05.4(2)(d) -42 <br />