2011-01-21_REVISION - M1979142 - Laserfiche WebLink

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE i , ' 356 Ranney Street, Craig, Colorado 81625 March 22, 1979 r Mr. Wayne Robinson ((? Colorado State Highway Department Craig, Colorado 81625 ( Dear Mr. Robinson: The following recommendations on reclamation of the gravel pit in Maybell are made at your request. To assist you in successful revegetation of the gravel pit the following guidelines should be helpful. i 1. During mining operations 10 to 12 inches of topsoil should be stockpiled for later use in revegetative measures. 2. After. mining the area should be shaped and graded with subsoil material f Slopes should not be steeper than 3:1. Slopes of 6:1 or flatter are more desireable. In general, the chances for vegetation establishment increase j as percent slope decreases. After shaping and grading have been completed apply the available topsoil l/ to the area. The site should be tilled to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Tillage will permit the topsoil to bind with the subsoil material, prevent airpockets, encourage root penetration and prevent topsoil slippage on slopes. If the topsoil is l` placed on the area during the summer and seeding will not be done until fall the site should be kept free from weeds. 3. Fertilize immediately prior to seeding with 40-60 pounds available N and 40=60 pounds available P_.U---pe-r--" re. 2C0 pounds of either Amonium Nitrate or Amonium Suliaie per acre along with 100 pounds of Super Phosphate per acre will provide the desired amount of N and P05- Apply the fertilizer during the seedbed preparation before packing it. The fertilizer should be incorporated into the soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches. 4. A weed-free, firm but not compacted seedbed should be prepared before seeding. A cult:ipacker or similar equipment can be used to firm up ( the seedbed. The soil should be firm enough that when a man walks on it the heel of his shoe will only sink into the soil an inch or so. i 5. Drill the following grass-legume mixture 1/2 to 1 inch deep in the prepared seedbed. Planting should be made with a drill capable of seeding both large and small seeds in separate compartments. Care should