Seed Mixes
Experimental seed mixes have been developed and applied on demonstration plots. The demonstration plots have been treated with mix 1.
| Species | Rate (lbs./ac) | % Composition | Total Lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sideoats Grama | 4.5 | 15 | 67.5 |
| Little Bluestem | 3.4 | 10 | 34 |
| Indiangrass | 4.5 | 10 | 45 |
| Illinois Bundleflower | 13.6 | 5 | 68 |
| Green Sprangletop | 1.7 | 60 | 102 |
| Total | 100 | 316.5 | |
Experimental seed mixes have been developed and applied on experimental plots. The management practice assessment plots and sub-watershed plot have been treated with mix 2.
| Species | % of Mix |
|---|---|
| Indiangrass | 10% |
| Buffalograss | 25% |
| Big Bluestem | 10% |
| Little Bluestem | 10% |
| Switchgrass | 10% |
| Tall Dropseed | 5% |
| Sideoats Grama | 25% |
| Illinois Bundleflower | 2% |
| Awnless Bush Sunflower | 2% |
| Partridge Pea | 1% |
| Green Sprangletop | 1 lb./acre |
TA 51 Treatment Rates
There are two significant challenges that must be understood before large-scale application of composted dairy manure is accepted as a best management practice on rangeland systems associated with military installations; 1) What is the optimum rates per acre and 2)What is the fate of nutrients introduced via compost in association with water quality.
To answer these two challenges, researchers have established a series of experiments to evaluate the impact of rate of compost on vegetation response and nutrient loading. It must be kept in mind that these landscapes are significantly impacted and runoff during rain events tends to be higher than "healthy" rangeland systems.