UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Farm Service Agency Wyoming State Office 951 Werner Court, Ste. 130 Casper, WY 82601 For: County Offices WYOMING NOTICE CRP-289 Approved by: General CRP Signup 33 – Information and Seeding Matrices Wyoming State Executive Director /s/ Lois Van MARK 1 Overview A Background The General CRP Signup 33 began on March 27, 2006 and ends on April 14, 2006. B Purpose The purpose of this notice is to provide: • • the seeding matrices for practices CP1, CP2, CP4D and CP10 information to assist employees and producers during the signup period. 2 Program Information A Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) Eligible offers will be ranked on an EBI score. The EBI is partially based on the characteristics that are inherent to the land offered and partially on the choices made by the producer that include: • • • • Practice Cover seeding mixture and type Wildlife enhancements Rental rate B CRP Fact Sheet A General CRP Signup 33 Fact Sheet is available in Notice CRP-515. Fact sheets are also available on the web at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/pubfacts . Disposal October 1, 2006 3-31-06 Distribution CO; DD; COR Page 1 WY Notice CRP-289 2 Program Information (Continued) C Practice Options FSA employees are required to discuss the practice, cover options and wildlife enhancements with the applicant. Exhibits in this notice are being provided to assist the applicants in making decisions concerning the practice and cover score for their offer. Review the practice options with the potential applicant. The actual or estimated costs of seeding mixes are not provided. Costs are generally higher for native mixes. Document the applicant’s decision concerning cover on the CRP-2. The applicant does not have to select the actual mix to be seeded. The applicant should be aware that certain mixes are not suitable for all sites. Once an offer is accepted, the actual mixture will be selected by the participant during the planning process with NRCS or TSP. If the required cover is not present, the producer must establish the cover on which the EBI score was based. 3-31-06 Page 2 WY Notice CRP-289 Exhibit 1 Wyoming CP-1 (Permanent Introduced) Job Sheet CRP Signup 33 NATIONAL RANKING FACTOR N1A - COVER Planting Mix A mixed stand of 2 to 3 introduced grass species. Refer to NRCS Conservation Cover – 327 Standard, Section IV, FOTG and Plant Materials Technical Note #3 for required seeding rates and species adaptation. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. Possible mixtures could be: 2.5# crested wheatgrass (50%) and 3.5# intermediate wheatgrass (50%) 3.5# intermediate wheatgrass (50%) and 3.5# pubescent wheatgrass (50%) Planting Mix A mixed stand (minimum of 4 species) of at least 3 introduced grasses, and at least 1 forb or legume best suited for wildlife in the area. Refer to NRCS Conservation Cover – 327 Standard, Section IV, FOTG and Plant Materials Technical Note #3 for required seeding rates and species adaptation. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. 40 point CP-1 mixes will exclude all crested wheatgrass, smooth bromegrass and Russian wildrye. Possible mixtures could be: 2.1# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 2.1# pubescent wheatgrass (30%), 2.0# tall wheatgrass (20%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%)* 3.0# tall wheatgrass (30%), 1.8# pubescent wheatgrass (25%), 1.5# Siberian wheatgrass (25%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%)* 2.1# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 2.1# pubescent wheatgrass (30%), 2.0# tall wheatgrass (20%), and 0.8# sweetclover (20%) 2.1# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 1.75# meadow brome (25%), 1.75# pubescent wheatgrass (25%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%)* Score 10 10 10 Score 40 40 40 40 40 Recommended cultivars are: intermediate wheatgrass – Amur, Greenar, Oahe, Rush or Reliant crested wheatgrass - Hycrest (crested wheatgrass is not to be included in any 40 point mix) pubescent wheatgrass - Luna, Manska tall wheatgrass – Alkar, Jose, Largo or Orbit meadow brome – Fleet, MacBeth, Montana, Regar or Paddock Siberian wheatgrass - P-27 or Vavilov * may substitute other legumes for alfalfa. Possible substitutions (w/ cultivar) could include: Cicer milkvetch (7# PLS pure seeding) – Lutana, Monarch or Windsor Sainfoin (34# PLS pure seeding) – Eski or Melrose Yellow or White sweetclover (4# PLS pure seeding) Do not exceed 20% legume component, or 20% crested wheatgrass in any mix. All seeding rates based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). 3-31-06 Page 1 WY Notice CRP-289 Exhibit 1 This information is based on the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Conservation Cover (327) Practice Standard and Plant Materials Technical Note 3 Seedbed and Site Preparation A weed-free seedbed will be prepared that is free, or very nearly free, of all competing vegetation and is not subject to erosion. A firm seedbed will be provided in all cases. A seedbed is firm enough when the bootheel imprint of an average person leaves a maximum impression in the soil of one-half inch. An excellent seedbed is consistently produced by moldboard plowing followed by cultipacking. NRCS or the TSP will specifically identify seedbed and site preparation requirements in the conservation plan. Seeding Seeding equipment will be a drill capable of placing the seed at the proper depth, provide a uniform flow of seed at the proper rate, and have a packer wheel to press the soil firmly over the seed. In lieu of packer wheels, a cultipacker may be used after seeding. Seeding depth for loam, silty clay loam and silty clay soils is one-quarter to one-half inch. Seeding depths for sands, loamy sands, and sandy loams is one-half to one inch. No nurse crops (oats or other small grains) will be seeded with the grass seed. If a carrier is needed to help feed seed through the drill, cracked corn, rolled oats or rice hulls will be used. Seed Adapted, improved varieties of grasses, forbs, and shrubs have been developed and should be used when available. Certified seed should be used when available. If certified seed is not available, named varieties will be used. In rare instances when named varieties are not available, utilize seed from as near the area to be seeded as possible. Seed with a variety not stated (VNS) should be from a source 500 miles north and 300 miles south of the area to be seeded. Similar elevation and precipitation determine the east-west range. At a maximum, the seed will originate from an adjoining state (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Utah). Seed will meet all state seed laws. All seed shall have a germination/purity test completed by a certified tester no more than twelve (12) months prior to planting. All seeding mixtures will be computed based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). PLS is calculated by multiplying the Germination (including hard seed) by the Purity. All legume seed shall be inoculated with the proper Rhizobia bacteria species before planting. See NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. NRCS or the TSP should use the Wyoming ECS – 25 for the development of the seeding plan. 3-31-06 Page 2 WY Notice CRP-289 Timing of Seeding Refer to Figure 1 and Table 2 to determine applicable planting dates by location. Exhibit 1 FIGURE 1 - PRECIPITATION ZONES FOR DRYLAND SEEDING DATES 1 1 All zones have inclusions. Use local knowledge as appropriate. WY Notice CRP-289 3-31-06 Exhibit 1 Page 3 TABLE 2 DRYLAND SEEDING DATES BY PRECIPITATION ZONE ZONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 PRECIPITATION 20”+ 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 7 – 9” 5 – 9” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 5 – 9” 10 – 14” 15 – 19” 12 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 20 – 24” SEEDING DATE Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 9/20 to 5/20 9/20 to 5/1 10/15 to 4/15 8/20 to 9/20 10/1 to 5/15 10/15 to 4/15 10/1 to 5/15 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/15 to 5/10 10/25 to 5/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/25 to 5/20 10/15 TO 5/25 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Fertilization Requirements All nutrients shall be applied following the nutrient management requirements in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Nutrient Management (590) Conservation Practice Standard. Unless nutrient deficiencies are identified via site-specific soil tests, fertilization is not normally needed for the establishment of permanent introduced vegetation (CP-1). Weed Control To insure a seedbed that is free, or very nearly free of all competing vegetation, vegetative manipulation will be accomplished by mechanical, biological or chemical methods, by prescribed burning, or a combination of the four. If burning is used alone or in combination with other practices, a Prescribed Burning Plan must be included as a planned practice. Either herbicides or mechanical methods, such as mowing or shredding will accomplish post – seeding weed control. Other pests that could threaten stand establishment will be controlled by the appropriate method. These practices shall not disturb wildlife cover during critical periods, which is from spring greenup (May 15) to July 1. 3-31-06 Page 4 WY Notice CRP-289 Varieties of Seed or Planting Materials Adapted varieties are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Amount of Seeding or Planting Exhibit 1 Required amounts of seed by species are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist or the TSP should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Cover Crop Cover crop establishment may be required under certain conditions. See Table 3 or the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Cover Crop (340) Conservation Practice Standard, for recommendations on cover crop establishment. Table 3 – Temporary Cover Recommendations Cover Crop Oats/Barley Grain Sorghum Millet Maintenance Requirements The producer is responsible for stand maintenance. This includes control of all competitive weed and other pest species. If stand integrity is compromised by the lack of proper stand maintenance, the producer is responsible for stand reestablishment without cost-share. Soil Limitations Land use history normally indicates no soil limitations for the establishment of this practice. However, if there is a high water table, or an obvious salinity problem, adapted species must be included in the seeding mixture. Additional soil limitation information is available from the local NRCS field office. Minimum Seeding Rate ¾ Bushel Per Acre 8 Lbs. Per Acre 10 Lbs. Per Acre Seeding Dates 4/1/ - 6/1 6/15 - 7/15 6/15 – 7/15 3-31-06 Page 5 WY Notice CRP-289 Exhibit 2 Wyoming CP-2 (Permanent Native) Job Sheet CRP Signup 33 NATIONAL RANKING FACTOR N1A - COVER Planting Mix A mixed stand (minimum of 3 species) of at least 2 native grass species and at least 1 forb or legume best suited for wildlife in the area as per the recommended seeding rates in the 550 - Range Planting Standard and Plant Materials Technical Note 3. Refer to Section II, FOTG for Range Site descriptions to select species adapted to local conditions. Non-aggressive introduced species may be used for up to 2 species in the mix. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. Possible mixtures could be: 2.1# western wheatgrass (35%), 2.1# thickspike wheatgrass (35%), and 0.9# purple prairie clover (30%)* 1.4# little bluestem (35%), 0.7# big bluegrass (35%), and 0.9# purple prairie clover (30%)* (this mix for use only in the eastern 1/3 of MLRA 67) Planting Mix A mixed stand (minimum, of 5 species) of at least 3 native grasses and at least 1 shrub, forb or legume species best suited for wildlife in the area as per the recommended seeding rates in the 550 - Range Planting Standard and Plant Materials Technical Note 3, or use the mixes and rates shown below. Refer to Section II, FOTG for Range Site descriptions to select species adapted to local conditions. Non-aggressive introduced species may be used for up to 2 species in the mix. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. Possible mixtures could be: 1.8# western wheatgrass (30%), 1.8# slender wheatgrass (30%), 0.9# thickspike wheatgrass (15%), 0.9# streambank wheatgrass (15%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* 1.8# green needlegrass (30%), 2.7# western wheatgrass (45%), 0.3# blue grama (15%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* (this mix for use only on clayey soils in MLRA 67) 1.0# prairie sandreed (25%), 1.5# needleandthread (25%), 0.4# blue grama (20%), 0.8# little bluestem (20%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* (this mix for use only on sandy soils in MLRA 67) 1.5# western wheatgrass (25%), 1.5# Indian ricegrass (25%), 1.4# bluebunch wheatgrass (20%), 1.2# streambank wheatgrass (20%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* 1.8# western wheatgrass (30%), 1.8# thickspike wheatgrass (30%), 0.9# slender wheatgrass (15%), 1.1# bluebunch wheatgrass (15%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* Score 20 20 20 Score 50 50 50 50 50 50 3-31-06 Page 1 WY Notice CRP-289 Recommended cultivars are: western wheatgrass – Ariba, Rodan or Rosana (in MLRA 67, Barton is also acceptable) thickspike wheatgrass – Bannock, Critana or Schwendimar bluebunch wheatgrass – Goldar or Secar little bluestem - Badlands, Blaze or Camper –prairie sandreed – Goshen or Pronghorn green needlegrass - Lodorm Indian ricegrass – Nezpar, Paloma or Rimrock slender wheatgrass - Pryor, San Luis or Revenue streambank wheatgrass – Sodar purple prairieclover – Bismarck or Kaneb Exhibit 2 * may substitute other legumes and/or forb for purple prairie clover. Possible substitutions (w/ cultivar) could include: –white prairieclover - Antelope Dotted gayfeather (5# PLS pure seeding) - Common Penstemon (5# PLS pure seeding) – Bandera Lewis Flax (5# PLS pure seeding) – Appar American vetch – Common All seeding rates based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). This information is based on the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Range Planting (550) Practice Standard and Plant Materials Technical Note 3 Seedbed and Site Preparation A weed-free seedbed will be prepared that is free, or very nearly free, of all competing vegetation and is not subject to erosion. A firm seedbed will be provided in all cases. A seedbed is firm enough when the bootheel imprint of an average person leaves a maximum impression in the soil of one-half inch. An excellent seedbed is consistently produced by moldboard plowing followed by cultipacking. NRCS or the TSP will specifically identify seedbed and site preparation requirements in the conservation plan. Seeding Seeding equipment will be a drill capable of placing the seed at the proper depth, provide a uniform flow of seed at the proper rate, and have a packer wheel to press the soil firmly over the seed. In lieu of packer wheels, a cultipacker may be used after seeding. Seeding depth for loam, silty clay loam and silty clay soils is one-quarter to one-half inch. Seeding depths for sands, loamy sands, and sandy loams is one-half to one inch. No nurse crops (oats or other small grains) will be seeded with the grass seed. If a carrier is needed to help feed seed through the drill, cracked corn, rolled oats or rice hulls will be used. 3-31-06 Page 2 WY Notice CRP-289 Seed Exhibit 2 Adapted, improved varieties of grasses, forbs, and shrubs have been developed and should be used when available. Certified seed should be used when available. If certified seed is not available, named varieties will be used. In rare instances when named varieties are not available, utilize seed from as near the area to be seeded as possible. Seed with a variety not stated (VNS) should be from a source 500 miles north and 300 miles south of the area to be seeded. Similar elevation and precipitation determine the east-west range. At a maximum, the seed will originate from an adjoining state (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Utah). Seed will meet all state seed laws. All seed shall have a germination/purity test completed by a certified tester no more than twelve (12) months prior to planting. All seeding mixtures will be computed based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). PLS is calculated by multiplying the Germination (including hard seed) by the Purity. All legume seed shall be inoculated with the proper Rhizobia bacteria species before planting. See NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. NRCS or the TSP should use the Wyoming ECS – 25 for the development of the seeding plan. 3-31-06 Page 3 WY Notice CRP-289 Timing of Seeding Refer to Figure 1 and Table 2 to determine applicable planting dates by location. Exhibit 2 FIGURE 1 - PRECIPITATION ZONES FOR DRYLAND SEEDING DATES1 1 All zones have inclusions. Use local knowledge as appropriate. 3-31-06 Page 4 WY Notice CRP-289 TABLE 2 DRYLAND SEEDING DATES BY PRECIPITATION ZONE ZONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 PRECIPITATION 20”+ 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 7 – 9” 5 – 9” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 5 – 9” 10 – 14” 15 – 19” 12 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 20 – 24” Exhibit 2 SEEDING DATE Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 9/20 to 5/20 9/20 to 5/1 10/15 to 4/15 8/20 to 9/20 10/1 to 5/15 10/15 to 4/15 10/1 to 5/15 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/15 to 5/10 10/25 to 5/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/25 to 5/20 10/15 TO 5/25 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Fertilization Requirements All nutrients shall be applied following the nutrient management requirements in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Nutrient Management (590) Conservation Practice Standard. Unless nutrient deficiencies are identified via site-specific soil tests, fertilization is not normally needed for the establishment of native vegetation (CP-2). Weed Control To insure a seedbed that is free, or very nearly free of all competing vegetation, vegetative manipulation will be accomplished by mechanical, biological or chemical methods, by prescribed burning, or a combination of the four. If burning is used alone or in combination with other practices, a Prescribed Burning Plan must be included as a planned practice. Either herbicides or mechanical methods, such as mowing or shredding will accomplish post – seeding weed control. Other pests that could threaten stand establishment will be controlled by the appropriate method. These practices shall not disturb wildlife cover during critical periods, which is from spring greenup (May 15) to July 1. 3-31-06 Page 5 WY Notice CRP-289 Varieties of Seed or Planting Materials Adapted varieties are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Amount of Seeding or Planting Exhibit 2 Required amounts of seed by species are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist or the TSP should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Cover Crop Cover crop establishment may be required under certain conditions. See Table 3 or the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Cover Crop (340) Conservation Practice Standard, for recommendations on cover crop establishment. Table 3 – Temporary Cover Recommendations Cover Crop Oats/Barley Grain Sorghum Millet Maintenance Requirements The producer is responsible for stand maintenance. This includes control of all competitive weed and other pest species. If stand integrity is compromised by the lack of proper stand maintenance, the producer is responsible for stand reestablishment without cost-share. Soil Limitations Land use history normally indicates no soil limitations for the establishment of this practice. However, if there is a high water table, or an obvious salinity problem, adapted species must be included in the seeding mixture. Additional soil limitation information is available from the local NRCS field office. Minimum Seeding Rate ¾ Bushel Per Acre 8 Lbs. Per Acre 10 Lbs. Per Acre Seeding Dates 4/1/ - 6/1 6/15 - 7/15 6/15 – 7/15 3-31-06 Page 6 WY Notice CRP-289 Exhibit 3 Wyoming CP-4D (Perm. Wildlife Habitat) Job Sheet CRP Signup 33 NATIONAL RANKING FACTOR N1A - COVER In addition to seeding the appropriate species, a wildlife conservation plan must be developed with the participant. Planting Mix A mixed stand (minimum of 4 species) of either grass, trees, shrubs, forbs, or legumes planted in mixes, blocks, or strips best suited for various wildlife species in the area. 40 point CP-4 mixes will exclude all crested wheatgrass, smooth bromegrass and Russian wildrye. Refer to Conservation Cover - 327 Standard, Section IV, FOTG for required seeding rates and species adaptation. Contact a WGF Habitat Extension Biologist for assistance in species selection for CP-4D. A wildlife plan must be developed for the participant. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. Possible mixtures could be: 3.0# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 3.0# pubescent wheatgrass (30%), 2.0# tall wheatgrass (20%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%) 3.0# tall wheatgrass (30%), 2.5# pubescent wheatgrass (25%), 1.5# Siberian wheatgrass (25%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%)* 3.0# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 2.5# meadow brome (25%), 2.5# pubescent wheatgrass (25%), and 1.0# alfalfa (20%)* 3.0# intermediate wheatgrass (30%), 3.0# pubescent wheatgrass (30%), 2.0# tall wheatgrass (20%), and 0.8# sweetclover (20%)* Score 40 40 40 40 40 Score Planting Mix A mixed stand (minimum of 5 species) of either native species including grasses, forbs, legumes, shrubs, or trees planted in mixes, blocks, or strips best suited to providing wildlife habitat. ONLY NATIVE GRASSES ARE AUTHORIZED. INTRODUCED GRASSES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR AND SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN COVER MIXES FOR 50-POINT N1A SCORES FOR CP4D. Refer to Range Seeding – 550 Standard, Section IV, FOTG for required seeding rates and to Section II, FOTG for Range Site descriptions to select species adapted to local conditions. Contact a WGF Habitat Extension Biologist for assistance in species selection for CP-4D. A wildlife plan must be developed for the participant. To be considered a mixture component, a species must comprise at least 10% of the mixture. Possible mixtures could be: 1.8# western wheatgrass (30%), 1.8# slender wheatgrass (30%), 1.2# thickspike wheatgrass (20%), 0.3# Lewis flax (10%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* 1.8# green needlegrass (30%), 1.8# western wheatgrass (30%), 0.4# blue grama (20%), 0.3# Lewis flax (10%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* (this mix for use only on clayey soils in MLRA 67) 0.8# prairie sandreed (20%), 1.2# needleandthread (20%), 0.4# blue grama (20%), 0.8# little bluestem (20%), 0.3# Lewis flax (10%), and 0.3# purple prairie clover (10%)* (this mix for use only on sandy soils in MLRA 67 50 50 50 50 3-31-06 Page 1 WY Notice CRP-289 Recommended cultivars are: Exhibit 3 Western wheatgrass – Ariba, Rodan or Rosana (in MLRA 67, Barton is also acceptable) Thickspike wheatgrass – Bannock, Critana or Schwendimar Bluebunch wheatgrass – Goldar or Secar Little bluestem - Badlands, Blaze or Camper Prairie sandreed – Goshen or Pronghorn Green needlegrass - Lodorm Indian ricegrass – Nezpar, Paloma or Rimrock Slender wheatgrass - Pryor, San Luis or Revenue Streambank wheatgrass – Sodar Purple prairieclover – Bismarck or Kaneb * may substitute other legumes and/or forb for purple prairie clover. Possible substitutions (w/ cultivar) could include: White prairieclover - Antelope Dotted gayfeather (5# PLS pure seeding) - Common Penstemon (5# PLS pure seeding) – Bandera Lewis Flax (5# PLS pure seeding) – Appar American vetch – Common All seeding rates based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). This information is based on the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Conservation Cover (327) Practice Standard and Plant Materials Technical Note 3. Seedbed and Site Preparation A weed-free seedbed will be prepared that is free, or very nearly free, of all competing vegetation and is not subject to erosion. A firm seedbed will be provided in all cases. A seedbed is firm enough when the bootheel imprint of an average person leaves a maximum impression in the soil of one-half inch. An excellent seedbed is consistently produced by moldboard plowing followed by cultipacking. NRCS or the TSP will specifically identify seedbed and site preparation requirements in the conservation plan. Seeding Seeding equipment will be a drill capable of placing the seed at the proper depth, provide a uniform flow of seed at the proper rate, and have a packer wheel to press the soil firmly over the seed. In lieu of packer wheels, a cultipacker may be used after seeding. Seeding depth for loam, silty clay loam and silty clay soils is one-quarter to one-half inch. Seeding depths for sands, loamy sands, and sandy loams is one-half to one inch. No nurse crops (oats or other small grains) will be seeded with the grass seed. If a carrier is needed to help feed seed through the drill, cracked corn, rolled oats or rice hulls will be used. 3-31-06 Page 2 WY Notice CRP-289 Seed Exhibit 3 Adapted, improved varieties of grasses, forbs, and shrubs have been developed and should be used when available. Certified seed should be used when available. If certified seed is not available, named varieties will be used. In rare instances when named varieties are not available, utilize seed from as near the area to be seeded as possible. Seed with a variety not stated (VNS) should be from a source 500 miles north and 300 miles south of the area to be seeded. Similar elevation and precipitation determine the east-west range. At a maximum, the seed will originate from an adjoining state (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Utah). Seed will meet all state seed laws. All seed shall have a germination/purity test completed by a certified tester no more than twelve (12) months prior to planting. All seeding mixtures will be computed based on Pure Live Seed (PLS). PLS is calculated by multiplying the Germination (including hard seed) by the Purity. All legume seed shall be inoculated with the proper Rhizobia bacteria species before planting. See NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. NRCS or the TSP should use the Wyoming ECS – 25 for the development of the seeding plan. 3-31-06 Page 3 WY Notice CRP-289 Timing of Seeding Refer to Figure 1 and Table 2 to determine applicable planting dates by location. Exhibit 3 FIGURE 1 - PRECIPITATION ZONES FOR DRYLAND SEEDING DATES1 1 All zones have inclusions. Use local knowledge as appropriate. 3-31-06 Page 4 WY Notice CRP-289 TABLE 2 DRYLAND SEEDING DATES BY PRECIPITATION ZONE ZONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 PRECIPITATION 20”+ 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 7 – 9” 5 – 9” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 5 – 9” 10 – 14” 15 – 19” 12 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 10 – 14” 15 – 17” 15 – 19” 20 – 24” Exhibit 3 SEEDING DATE Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 9/20 to 5/20 9/20 to 5/1 10/15 to 4/15 8/20 to 9/20 10/1 to 5/15 10/15 to 4/15 10/1 to 5/15 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/15 to 5/10 10/25 to 5/20 10/25 to 5/1 10/25 to 5/20 10/15 TO 5/25 Anytime except 8/20 to 9/20 Fertilization Requirements All nutrients shall be applied following the nutrient management requirements in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Nutrient Management (590) Conservation Practice Standard. Unless nutrient deficiencies are identified via site-specific soil tests, fertilization is not normally needed for the establishment of Permanent Wildlife Cover (CP-4D). Weed Control To insure a seedbed that is free, or very nearly free of all competing vegetation, vegetative manipulation will be accomplished by mechanical, biological or chemical methods, by prescribed burning, or a combination of the four. If burning is used alone or in combination with other practices, a Prescribed Burning Plan must be included as a planned practice. Either herbicides or mechanical methods, such as mowing or shredding will accomplish post – seeding weed control. Other pests that could threaten stand establishment will be controlled by the appropriate method. These practices shall not disturb wildlife cover during critical periods, which is from spring greenup (May 15) to July 1. 3-31-06 Page 5 WY Notice CRP-289 Varieties of Seed or Planting Materials Adapted varieties are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Amount of Seeding or Planting Exhibit 3 Required amounts of seed by species are found in NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note #3. The local NRCS conservationist or the TSP should be consulted for the development of the actual planting plan. Cover Crop Cover crop establishment may be required under certain conditions. See Table 3 or the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV, Cover Crop (340) Conservation Practice Standard, for recommendations on cover crop establishment. Table 3 – Temporary Cover Recommendations Cover Crop Oats/Barley Grain Sorghum Millet Maintenance Requirements The producer is responsible for stand maintenance. This includes control of all competitive weed and other pest species. If stand integrity is compromised by the lack of proper stand maintenance, the producer is responsible for stand reestablishment without cost-share. Soil Limitations Land use history normally indicates no soil limitations for the establishment of this practice. However, if there is a high water table, or an obvious salinity problem, adapted species must be included in the seeding mixture. Additional soil limitation information is available from the local NRCS field office. Minimum Seeding Rate ¾ Bushel Per Acre 8 Lbs. Per Acre 10 Lbs. Per Acre Seeding Dates 4/1/ - 6/1 6/15 - 7/15 6/15 – 7/15 3-31-06 Page 6 WY Notice CRP-289 Exhibit 4 Wyoming CP-10 (Grass Already Estab.) Job Sheet CRP Signup 33 NATIONAL RANKING FACTOR N1A - COVER Planting Mix Solid stand of 1 to 3 species of introduced grasses. Solid stand of 1 to 3 species of native grasses. Mixed stand (minimum of 5 species) of at least three (3) native grasses and at least one shrub, forb, or legume species best suited for wildlife in the area. Score 10 40 50 3-31-06 Page 1