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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 spoil (Bench 1 material) 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 16' to 24' 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 such as a Vermeer rock picker that is <br />pulled behind a tractor that rakes up large rocks over approximately 2.5 inches in diameter. <br />Rocks up to approximately 24" diameter can be picked up by the device. The rocks are removed <br />from the field. <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 mix and <br />that the desired 1 cut production is 1.75 tons per acre. <br />5 - Disking and chisel plowing - Prior to final seedbed preparation. soil conditioning and weed <br />control tillage will be carried out through the use of chisel plowing and/or disking. Chisel <br />plowing will relieve any topsoil compaction, will aid in controlling weedy species. and will leave <br />the site in a temporary toughened condition reducing wind and water erosion potential. Disking <br />will be used to condition soil, break up clods, and control weeds through tillage prior to seeding. <br />If annual weeds are a problem, several tillage operations may be required to get adequate <br />control. <br />6. Final Seedbed Preparation -(For sideroll irrigated areas) Harrowing and cultipacking prior to <br />seeding will be conducted as needed in order to provide the smooth, firm seedbed required. In <br />Wednesday, June 30, 2010.max <br />