Specifications for Vegetation Establishment

Section 570 Section 570.205  Specifications for Vegetation Establishment The following specifications shall apply to all runoff field application systems: a)         All trees, stumps, brush, rocks, and similar materials that can interfere with installing the field application area shall be removed.  The materials shall be disposed of in a manner that is consistent with standards for maintaining and improving the quality of the environment and with proper functioning of the field application area. b)         The field application area shall be shaped to the grade and dimensions shown in the plan or as staked in the field.  If necessary, topsoil shall be stockpiled and spread to the required grade and thickness.  Excess spoil shall be disposed of in areas where it does not interfere with the required flow characteristics of the field application area. c)         All areas disturbed during construction shall be vegetated. d)         To aid in the establishment of vegetation, feedlot runoff shall be prevented from entering the field application area through the use of temporary diversions until vegetation is established to a minimum height of 4 inches and 90 percent ground cover. e)         Immediately prior to seedbed preparation, apply the following minimum amounts of starter fertilizer per acre: Nitrogen (N) – 120 pounds of actual nitrogen Phosphorus (P) – 120 pounds of P 2 O 5 Potassium (K) – 120 pounds K 2 O f)         Apply limestone, if necessary, for the species to be grown. g)         Incorporate the required lime and fertilizer and prepare a firm seedbed to a depth of 3 inches.  The seedbed shall be free from clods, stones, or other debris that might hamper proper seeding. h)         Select one of the following mixtures and seed according to the rate shown: 1)         Reed canarygrass – 25 lbs./acre 2)         Mixture reed canarygrass and tall fescue – 15 lbs./acre of each species. 3)         Use of species other than canarygrass or tall fescue shall be considered an innovative design. i)          Apply seed uniformly at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch with a drill (band seed) or cultipacker type seeder or broadcast seed uniformly and cover to a depth of ¼ to ½ inch with a cultipacker or harrow.  If a drill or cultipacker seeder is used, seed across the slope or cut channel. j)          Seeding dates shall be either: 1)         Early spring to May 15. 2)         May 15 to August 1, provided sufficient water is provided for germination and vigorous growth. 3)         August 1 to September 10. k)         Mulch with clean straw using 2 tons of mulch per acre.  The mulch must be uniformly spread over the seeded area. l)          Anchor the mulch by one of the following methods: 1)         Press it into the soil to a 2 inch depth by using a serrated straight disk or a dull farm disk set straight.  Cross the slope perpendicular to the direction of the flow of water, or 2)         Apply a netting on top of the mulch and anchor it with staples.