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• <br />• <br />brome (D. Smith, personal communication, April 1988 and Ensign et al. 1975). Orchardgrass <br />has been a common and proven component in irrigated pastures for years because of its <br />palatability, nutrient qualities, compatibility with legumes and other grasses, and <br />productive ability. Reed canarygrass and creeping foxtail remain the best adapted <br />desirable pasture grasses for poorly drained or wet conditions (Hafenrichter et al. 1979, <br />Heath et al. 1985, and Ensign et al. 1975). Garrison creeping foxtail is a good producer <br />once established, being both highly palatable and nutritious. Reed canarygrass, though <br />less palatable than creeping foxtail, has adequate nutrient quality and is one of the <br />highest yielding pasture grasses (Heath et al. 1985). Reed canarygrass occurs in the <br />swale /drainage vegetation type at Nucla (Tab 10, Addendum 10 -3). Specified cultivars for <br />reed canarygrass center on those selected for low - alkaloid content. <br />The species in Seed Mix #5 will function equally well for establishing the grass hayland <br />type. Grasses are dominant in the mix and the resulting stand will also be dominated by <br />grasses. Seed Mix #7, containing only alfalfa and orchardgrass, reflects one of the most <br />commonly recommended mixes for achieving high quality and productive hayland. The <br />recommended alfalfa variesties have done well in the region (T. Doherty, personal <br />communication, April 1988). Later orchardgrass is a very compatible grass when used in an <br />alfalfa -grass hayland stand. Later orchardgras is productive, has very good nutritive <br />qualities, and reaches the most desirable harvest stage at the same time as alfalfa <br />(Hafenrichter et al. 1979 and Heath et al. 1985). <br />Upon completion of seeding operations, irrigation activities will be implemented to <br />establish and develop the stand. The primary method of irrigation will be by sprinkler <br />during Peabody's reclamation liability period. Sprinklers are more efficient in terms of <br />the amount of water required and the method of application. Under this method, irrigation <br />can better be adapted to the specific site conditions and water requirements of the <br />vegetation being irrigated. The design of the sprinkler irrigation system to be used will <br />be based on site specific conditions including infiltration rates and waterholding <br />capacities of the soils, topography, and the irrigation requirements (consumptive use) of <br />the vegetation. Irrigation requirements are based on the consumptive use requirements of <br />the vegetation, less the effective precipitation received during the growing season. <br />Knowing the above parameters, the proper delivery system, sprinkler design, and <br />application rates can be determined. Irrigation requirements for the irrigated pasture <br />and hayland vegetation will be determined from the Colorado Irrigation Guide (USDA -SCS, <br />undated) as applicable to the Nucla area, with the irrigation system and sprinkler design <br />22 -23 Revised 07/25/91 <br />