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most of the nutrients and moisture in the soil and leave little for most other <br />plants of the system." <br />The above statement by Munshower is also supported by the most recent literature on <br />seeding rates and seed mix composition on and and semi -arid disturbances. These <br />researchers are recommending low PLS per square foot and significantly reducing or <br />eliminating introduced cool season grasses to establish a diverse vegetative cover <br />(Wood and Buchanan, 2001 and Musslewhite et al., 2000). An excellent source of <br />seeding techniques and PLS calculations is contained in Handbook of Western <br />Reclamation Techniques (University of Wyoming, 1996). <br />WATER HARVESTING & EROSION CONTROL MEASURES <br />A variety of water harvesting and conservation, and erosion control methods may be <br />used to harvest and conserve precipitation. Using such measures to facilitate the <br />reclamation process is important because Red Rock mine receives relatively low <br />amounts of precipitation annually. Harvesting and conserving water in reconstructed <br />soils will serve to optimize the germination, growth and establishment of vegetation <br />communities. In addition to harvesting and conserving precipitation on site, erosion <br />control measures are available that will reduce soil erosion potential. Primary water <br />harvesting, water conservation and erosion control methods and practices include: <br />contour furrowing, land imprinting, mulching (straw, native hay or hydro), cover <br />cropping, and placement of erosion control blankets. <br />MULCHING & COVER CROPS <br />Various types of mulching or cover crops may be used to facilitate the establishment of <br />permanent vegetation communities. Traditional reclamation practices consider <br />mulching a mandatory step in the reclamation process. Mulch provides protection to <br />the soil from incoming rain droplets, the most significant source of soil detachment and <br />Appendix G 15 07/01/02 <br />