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sheet erosion. Mulch shades the soil and provides seedlings some relief from direct <br />sunlight. Mulch represents a source of organic material that is important in nutrient <br />storage and recycling. For these reasons, one of several mulch types may be considered <br />for use at the Red Rock mine to facilitate germination and establishment of suitable <br />vegetation covers. Mulch types include native hay, cereal straw, hydromulch (wood <br />fiber) and cover crops. <br />NO MULCH OPTION <br />Recent data on arid and semi -arid native prairie rangeland restoration projects suggests <br />that mulching may not always be a desirable component in the reclamation process <br />(ESCO Associates, Inc., 2002). Mulch may contain noxious or other weedy species that <br />are detrimental to establishment of the desired plant species and vegetation <br />communities (even when certified weed -free). While mulch shades the ground and <br />inhibits evaporation of soil moisture, it also intercepts and absorbs precipitation, thus <br />preventing some precipitation from entering the soil profile. The drier the climate, the <br />more important interception and absorption of precipitation by mulch become. <br />Additionally, recent test plot data suggests that use of mulch may inhibit expression of <br />seed mixture species diversity. <br />Appendix G 16 07/01/02 <br />