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Fertilization. Fertilizer may be applied to reclaimed areas as phosphorous. Phosphorus is <br />beneficial to root growth and plant establishment and development. When used, <br />phosphorous will be applied prior to seedbed preparation in order that it may be incorporated <br />into the root zone by the discing operation. Nitrogen fertilizer will not be used in areas to be <br />seeded. Nitrogen tends to encourage annual weedy growth in newly seeded areas resulting in <br />a potential of excessive completion and reduction in desired stand density. A nitrogen <br />application may be made as a top dressing in seeded pasture areas after the perennial <br />vegetation has become sufficiently established. Nitrogen will not be applied in years when <br />reclaimed stands are evaluated for bond release unless the comparison standard was derived <br />from fertilized stand data. <br />Seed Mixes. Three perennial seed mixes and one temporary stabilization mix have been <br />developed for reclamation of disturbances. The mixes are described below and are listed in <br />Tables 20 -1 through 20 -4. <br />Seed Mix No. 1 (Table 20 -1) has been developed to establish dryland pasture as grazing <br />lands in areas which were originally reseeded cropland prior to construction of the loadout <br />facility and rail loop. Seed Mix No.l has been designed and improved over the life of the <br />Seneca and HG operations for all reclaimed upland and ephemeral drainages on mine areas. <br />The 20 species contained in the mix are adapted to a broad range of site conditions noted <br />following the mix. Site differences related to aspect, topography, moisture conditions, and <br />top soiling will compliment Seed Mix No. 1, vary the species composition from site to site, <br />and provide opportunities for diverse communities and habitat. Exhibit 18 -1, Post - <br />Operational Topography and Vegetation, illustrates the areas to be considered for this mix. <br />The mix contains species that perform well on the soils present in the permit area and are <br />productive under the normal precipitation received in the area without supplemental <br />irrigation. All grasses have a similar palatability and management requirements. A pasture <br />type alfalfa has been included to improve the protein level and palatability of the forage and <br />provide soil nitrogen benefits. To eliminate the potential for bloat, alfalfa totals less than 25 <br />percent of the mix (based on seeds per square foot). Western wheatgrass is included to <br />enhance long term stability without seriously affecting productivity in the pasture. <br />Seed Mix No. 2 (Table 20 -2) will be used in reclaiming disturbances in Subirrigated/irrigated <br />improved pasture areas north of Walker Ditch (see Exhibit 20 -1). The composition of the <br />mix includes a number of species currently established in adjacent undisturbed pasture areas. <br />The mix includes species adapted to a range of moisture regimes and soil characteristics that <br />may be present on the reclaimed site. These species will return productivity and utility <br />levels, will respond to management inputs, and have proven value for the intended postmine <br />land uses. <br />Seed Mix No.3. (Table 20 -3) has been developed for reclamation of disturbed upland or <br />lowland native rangeland areas (Exhibit 18 -1, Tab 18). Reclaimed site characteristics will <br />include shale derived soils that are fine textured and have a potential for saline /alkaline soil <br />conditions. Wet soil conditions are also likely to be encountered in Dry Creek or areas of <br />poor drainage. The mix contains species that are adapted to these varying site characteristics <br />and are able to provide long -term stability. Tall statured species such as basin wildrye and <br />TR -09 2 Revised 6/12 <br />