1980-07-11_REVISION - M1977493 (8)

Home Browse Search

Lime used for the study was CaCO3 waste from the sugarbeet re- fining process . The plot area was fertilized at the rate of 200 lbs. P205/A with 0-46-0 and 200 lbs. K2O/A with 0-0-50. Nitrogen was applied after germination at the rate of 60 lbs. N/A as 33-0-0 . The plots were mulched with alfalfa hay at the rate of 2 T/A and seeded with the Climax seed mixture at the rate of 40 lbs./A. The amount of lime used for each individual treatment was weighed and spread by hand as evenly as possible . After all plots were limed, the plot area was rototilled twice and the fertilizer was hand broadcast. The amount of alfalfa mulch applied to each plot was estimated by the weight of the bales , after which the mulch was hand spread as evenly as possible , the plot area was again rototilled twice and cyclone-seeded . The plots were lightly raked to cover the seeds. The seeding oper- ation was completed on July 23, 1976. Examination of the plots on August 25, 1977 revealed a good stand of grasses on all plots. As yet, no differences among the lime rate treatments were evident. This was expected as the pyrite oxidizes over a period of time . 9 .9 STRAW MULCHING STUDY ON TAILING, 1976 Apparently a part of the favorable plant growth results form the high manure rates on the tailing was due to the more favorable microclimate created. Thus, the high rates of manure protected the seedlings from wind erosion, modified temperatures, and possibly increased the water-holding capacity of the tailings. However , transportation of large quantities of manure to Climax would be quite costly, thus this study was set up to test the effectiveness of straw mulch in enhancing plant growth on tailing . The mulching study consisted of six treatments, repli- cated three times: 1 . A control where no mulch was applied to the tailing . 2. Two T/A barley straw. 3 . Four T/A barley straw. 4 . One year seeding of rye , rototilled after maturity and then seeded to grasses . 9-16