2011-07-14_PERMIT FILE - M2011038

Home Browse Search

USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service Re- Vegetation Guidelines for Energy Production Projects Seedbed Preparation: NRCS recommends the grasses be planted into a firm, weed -free seedbed, because success depends upon good soil -to -seed contact. The seedbed should be firm but not overly compact prior to planting. A good rule of thumb for seedbed preparation is a boot heel print should press about 1/2 "deep. Where possible, topsoil (top 6 " -10 ") should be stockpiled during excavation/construction and replaced during final grading. Excess rock should be gleaned from the surface if possible to create an adequate seedbed surface. Seed should be planted to a depth of 1/4 " to 3/4" whether drilled or broadcasted. Use a drill to plant seed on slopes that are 33 percent (3:1) or flatter. For broadcast applications, hand raking or dragging the area with a harrow following broadcasting should incorporate the seed to an adequate depth if the soil surface is not excessively hard or loose. Seeding and Seed Rates - The seed can be drilled or broadcasted. Using a drill with packer wheels is recommended, or rolling the seeded area with a cultipacker after drilling or broadcasting to create good seed to soil contact. Following are three seed mixes for different situations. Other species may be planted if desired or requested by a landowner, etc.. The species highlighted with an asterisk ( *) are strongly recommended to be a portion of a seed mix due to their good growth and establishment characteristics. Refer to CO TGN #59 Table 5 for recommended seeding rates per species. The rates shown in Table 5 are for a full seeding of each species, and therefore need to be adjusted down to reflect their percentage of the seed mix. If the seed is broadcasted, seeding rates are doubled. Refer to CO TGN #59 Table 6 for a complete list of species and the conditions they are adapted to. The table indicates whether they are native or introduced and conditions they are adapted to. Following are 3 sample seed mixes that could be used in Mineral County for different situations. Other species can be used, but the following mixes contain species well adapted to Mineral County. Non - Irrigated Native Grass Mix Species % in mix Seeding Drilled Rate, PLS Broadcasted Rate, PLS Rate PIS** Pounds Per Acre Naiads Per Acre Pounds /acre Indian Ricegrass 10 x 12 1.2 2.4 Thickspike Wheatgrass* 20 x 10 = 2.0 4.0 Slender Wheatgrass 10 x 11 = 1.1 2.2 Western Wheatgrass * 40 x 16 = 6.4 12.8 Sandberg Bluegrass 10 x 2 = 0.2 0.4 Blue Grama 10 x 3 = 0_3 0.6 100% 11.2Ibs PLS 22.41bs PLS