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4.3 Seed Mix Information <br />Seed Mixes #5 and #6 are the Reclaimed Irrigated Pastureland seed mixes depending on whether <br />the site is well drained or poorly drained. All species contained in Seed Mixes #5 and #6 are <br />introduced. The introduced species support the proposed post- mining land use, and the <br />referenced literature and individuals (presented in the following paragraph) support the fact that <br />these species are desirable and necessary to achieve the post- mining land use. <br />Species selection for the irrigated pasture mixes was based on these items: (1) irrigated pasture <br />mixtures should be simple, with one to two grasses and a legume; (2) the legume should be a <br />persistent, adapted, non - bloating species; and (3) the grass component should be palatable, <br />nutritious, persistent and compatible in the stand. Alfalfa, the desirable legume for Seed Mix #5, <br />is selected for its long history of production and longevity in the local area. Dean Stindt, Soil <br />Conservation Service local Extension Agent (nowwith the Bureau of Land Management, Norwood <br />Office), recommended varieties shown in Seed Mix #5. Birdsfoot trefoil, selected as the legume <br />for Seed Mix #6, is a long -lived perennial forage legume that is non - bloating, winter hardy, and <br />adapted to a range of site conditions including poorly drained sites. Though a slow starter, once <br />established it is persistent in the stand, particularly if seeded in alternate rows. The seed must <br />be inoculated with a specific strain of Rhizobium bacteria. Other coal companies have used <br />meadow brome in their operations (specifically, Peabody's Big Sky Mine in Montana). The use <br />of meadow brome is supported by the enthusiastic recommendation of its use in irrigated pastures <br />by the Colorado State University Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Meadow <br />brome is highly palatable but persists well in irrigated pastures and has nutrient qualities at least <br />as high as smooth brome. Orchardgrass has been a common and proven component in irrigated <br />pastures for years because of its palatability, nutrient qualities, compatibility with legumes and <br />other grasses, and productive ability. Creeping foxtail remain the best adapted desirable pasture <br />grasses for poorly drained or wet conditions. Garrison creeping foxtail is a good producer once <br />established, being both highly palatable and nutritious. <br />The species in Seed Mix #5 will function equally well for establishing the irrigated pasture type. <br />Grasses are dominant in the mix and the resulting stand will also be dominated by grasses. See <br />Mix #6 has Alsike Clover, Redtop and Timothy grasses. Alsike Clover is a nitrogen fixing legume <br />that is suited to irrigated, wet conditions. Redtop and timothy are rated "high" for cow, horse and <br />elk feed preference. Feed preference has palatability, nutrition, total digestible nutrients and other <br />PR -06 June 2010 2.05.4(2)(e) -17 <br />