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3.6.2.4 Till <br />Seedbed preparation begins by applying phosphorus (P) fertilizer on the replaced <br />and leveled topsoil. If appropriate an industrial grade disc or similarly effec- <br />tive piece of equipment is used to loosen the topsoil, incorporate the P fertil- <br />izer, and to break up large soil clods. If a finer seedbed is desired, based on <br />the choice of crops, then a harrow or other piece of equipment capable of cre- <br />ating the needed seedbed may be used. <br />Seedmix and Seeding Rates <br />The first planting after seedbed preparation is critical to the early stages of <br />soil development because the replaced topsoil is void of structure. The rate of <br />seeding and plant selection plav major roles in promoting stabilization of dis- <br />turbed soil and allowing soil developnment to recommence. <br />Considerations for selection of plant species able to aid soil development and <br />stabilization are: a) plant rooting depth and its influences on air and water <br />movement in the soil: b) establishment of organic matter from plant material <br />decay both on and below the soil surface; c) plant species which contribute to <br />soil nutrient reserves instead of depleting them; and d) ability to protect <br />against soil wind and water erosion. <br />The areas are seeded directly, without first growing a stubble mulch, to Ladak or <br />Ranger alfalfa and appropriate pasture grasses as discussed in Sections 4.2.1 and <br />4.2.4. If broadcast, the approved rate is increased by 50%. <br />Planting Equipment and Methods <br />Several pieces of equipment are used for seeding. An Interagency Rangeland Drill <br />or an agricultural drill is used to drill seed cropland areas. A tractor or <br />other appropriate equipment is used to pull both the rangeland and agricultural <br />drills. <br />0 <br />3-73 <br />REVISED FEB 13 '87