1991-03-01_REPORT - M1977493 (5)

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The Climax seed mixture has evolved over the last 23 years of testing and utilization. It has gained a well deserved repu- tation for success under the environmental extremes of high altitude and poor soils and is in widespread use in North America. The seed mix presently is being tested on high altitude mine sites in Chile. The Climax mix will continue to evolve and change as research results from the mine site and other high- altitude areas develop over the years . Cur- rently, the Climax seed mix consists of the following species and percentages : Percentage Species by Weight Rye (Secale cereale ) 20% SmootF_`Brome Bromus inermis ) 13 % White Dutch Clover TrifoTium re ens ) 10% Creeping Foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus ) 9% Creeping Red Fescue ( festuca rubra ) 8% Hard Fescue ( Festuca ovina ) 7% Timothy ( Phleum pratense ) 5% Orchard Grass ( Dactylis glomerata ) 5% Cicer Milkvetch (Astragalus cicer ) 4% Arizona Fescue ( Festuca arizonica ) 4% Kentucky Bluegrass ( Poa pratensis ) 3% Redtop (Agrostis alba - 3% Big Bluegrass (Poa ampla ) 3% Canada Bluegrass ( Poa compressa ) 2% Canby Bluegrass ( Poa canb i ) 2% Yarrow (Achillea lan T a or picola) 2% The Climax mix is applied at a rate of 50 lbs. per acre on all slope and site types . The short growing season and cool temperatures on the property allow seeding to occur through- out the snow free period. Newly seeded areas are fertilized at the time of seeding with 18-46-0 (NPK) pelletized fertilizer at a rate of 400 lbs. per acre. For certain potassium deficient rock materials, an additional 200 lbs. per acre of 0-0-60 (NPK) is applied. If a revegetated area requires maintenance fertilization , ammonium nitrate ( 33-0-0 NPK) is applied at a rate of 100-200 lbs . per acre. Fertilizer and seed are applied using a 3, 000 gallon truck- mounted hydroseeder . Generally , the seed bed is mulched either with commercial hydromulch at approximately one ton per acre or blown straw or native hay at approximately four tons per acre . When hydromulch is used, a commercial tacki- fier is added to reduce wind loss . Occasionally, very small or very steep areas are seeded and fertilized by hand using cyclone seeders . Mesh netting, either jute or plastic, also may be used in very specific and very steep situations . -4-