Caltrans Native Grass Evaluation Pilot Program (Placer County Report)
The Califrnia Department of Transportation
Landscape Architecure Program
1120 "N" Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Presented by: -
P Enronmentl 999 Town & Country Road, 4th Floor
Orange, CA 92868 Native Grass Program Table of Content
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMAY ...... ES-1 ES. l Ovetiew of the Executive S umay ...... ES-1 ES.2 Reseach ...... ES- 1 ES.3 Project Desig Concept...... ES- 1 ES.4 Installation...... ES-2 ES.5 Progr Results ...... :...... ES-2 ES.5.1 Recommended Native Grasses fr the Central Valley (Placer County) ...... ES- 2 ES.5.2 Recommended Native Grasses fr Central Coast (San Luis Obispo ).ES-3 ES.5.3 Recommended Native Grasses fr the Central Valley (Fresno County) ...... ES-3 ES.5.4 Recommended Native Grasses fr the Central Inland (Monterey County) ...... ES -3 ES.5.5 Recommended Native Grasses fr the Jlad Desert (Riverside
County) ...... •...... ES -3 ES.6 Recommended Installation Techiques ...... ES.3 ES. 7 Soil Additives...... ES- 4 ES.8 Native Grass Sod ...... ES -4
ES.9 Proj ect Summa ...... ES-4
1.0 PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...... 1-1
2.0 RESEARCH ...... 2-1
3.0 TEST SITE LOCATIONS AND PLANTING DESIGNS ...... 3-1 3. 1 Test Site Locations ...... 3- 1 3.2 Plating Desigs ...... 3-1
4.0 SITE PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF PLANTING TECHNIQUES .... 4-1 4.1 Site Preparation ...... 4-1 4.2 Plating Techiques ad Evaluation of the Plating Techniques ...... 4-1 4.2. 1 Hydroseeding ...... 4-1 4.2.2 Drill Seeding ...... 4-2 4.2.3 Iprinting ...... 4-2 4.2.4 Nursery Grown Grass Plugs ad Sod ...... 4-3
5.0 SUPPLEMENTAL ADITIVES ...... 5-1 5. 1 Use of Supplemental Additives···········································.······························· 5-1 5.2 Mycorhizal Soil Ioculum ...... 5-1 5.3 Soil Polymers (Water Absorbing Crystals) ...... 5- 1 5.4 Teragraf Blaets ...... 5-2
6.0 INSTALATION SUMARY ...... 6-1
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7.0 YEA ONE SUMMAY ...... 7-1
7. 1 Overview of the Year One Suma ...... 7 - 1
7 .2 Yea One Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 7-1 7.2. 1 Yea One Test Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 7- 1 7.2.2 Yea One Maintenance Suma fr the Placer County Site ...... 7-1
8.0 YEA TWO SUMMARY ...... 8-1 8.1 Overview of the Yea Two Suma ...... 8-1
8.2 Yea Two Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 8-1 8.2.1 Yea Two Test Sumary fr the Placer County Site ...... 8-2 8.2.2 Yea Two Maintenace Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 8-2
9.0 YEAR THREE SUMMARY ...... 9-1 9. 1 Ovetiew of the Yea Three Sumay ...... 9- 1 9.2 Year Three Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 9-2 9.2.1 Yea Three Test Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 9-2 9.2.2 Yea Three Maintenace Suma fr the Placer County Site ...... 9-2
10.0 FINDINGS ...... 10-1 10. 1 Findings of the Proga...... 10-1 10. 1. 1 Overview ...... 10-1 10.1.2 Site Desig ...... 10-1 10.1.3 Site Prepaation ...... 10-2 10.1.4 Seed Desig Specifcation ...... 10-2 10. 1.5 Plating Techniques ...... 10-3 10.1.6 Erosion Control ...... 10-3 10. 1.7 Fire Control ...... 10-3 10. 1.8 Weed Control ...... 10-3 10. 1.9 Sod Istallation ...... 10-3 10. 1. 10 Anual Maintenace ...... 10-4 10.2 Future Considerations ad Recomendations...... 10-5
11.0 RFERNCES...... 11-1
12 . 0 PHOTOGRAPHS ...... 12-1
13.0 LIST OF PREPARERS ...... 13-1 13.1 Califsia Depaent of Trasporation...... 13- 1 13.2 P&D Consultats, Ic ...... 13- 1 13.3 Sub-Consultats ...... 13-1
APPENDICES
Appendix A
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LIST OF EXIBITS
3-1 Tyical Test Site Plating Layout...... 3-3
LIST OF TABLES
6-1 Installation Sumay ...... 6-1
7-1 Native Grass Test Plot Evaluation Sumay fr Yea One fr the Placer County Site .. 7-2
7-2 Yea One Sumary fr the Placer County Site ...... 7-2
8-1 Native Grass Test Plot Evaluation Sumay fr Yea Two fr the Placer County
Site ...... 8-4
8-2 Yea Two Sumay fr the Placer County Site ...... 8-4
9-1 Native Grass Test Plot Evaluation Sumay fr Yea Three fr the Placer County
Site ...... 9-3 9-2 Yea Three Sumary fr the Placer County Site ...... 9-3
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Natve Grass Progam Executive Summar
EXCUTIVE SUMMAY
ES.1 OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMAY
P&D Consultants was retained by the Califsia Depament of Trasportation (Caltrans) to lead in the research and development of a Native Grass Evaluation Pilot Program. The goal fr this Progam was to test ad evaluate native grass species ad planting techiqUes that could be used to reduce the need fr chemical roadside spraying to control weed gowth along Caltrans rigts of-way on highways throughout the state and to reduce the potential fr fre and stor water rof. The activities conducted fr this Progam ad the major progra fndings ae sumaized briefy in this Executive Summay.
ES.2 RSEACH
P&D conducted an extensive review of existing literature, research ad test projects regarding native gass installation progams. This reseach included review bd analysis of site soil preparation, plant installation techniques, soil additives and maintenance progams. These reports ofered numerous fndings bd infrmation potentially usefl in the desig ad development of this test progra. However, most of the research progras were developed using controlled situations or were too costly to be implemented on a massive scale such as the goal fr this Progra. I addition, a lot of the test results ad other available infrmation contradicted each other, maing it diffcult to decipher the corect irormation.
P&D accompanied by Caltras' Project Manager reviewed several existing projects and toued several seed companies, sod fars and nurseries to coordinate infration and evaluate existing programs. Based on the available reseach ad these feld visits, P&D and Caltras developed a test research progra using tyical Caltras roadsides and existing planting techniques. The progra evaluated bd confrmed existing research, ad tested and evaluated the use of native grasses as a cost efective weed, fre and erosion control solution.
ES.3 PROGRM DESIGN CONCEPT
The design concept fr this Progam was to develop a statewide proga which included several locations selected by Caltrans based on climate region and availability. Test sites were selected in the Central Valley (Placer Covty), Central Coastal (Sa Luis Obispo), Central Valley (Fresno County), Central Inlad (Monterey County) and Inland Desert (Riverside County). T hese sites represent tyical Caltrans road conditions fr a selected group of specifc climate regions.
The desig concept was to test and evaluate individual native grass species and plating concets and installation techiques. The Progam also evaluated the potential of established roadside plat communities, to control weeds and reduce storm water and fre potential. Idividual native gass species were selected based on the regional growing characterstics and climate conditions. These grass lists were also reviewed by a number of expers and maintenance operations managers prior to fnal design. In addition, blended seed mixes were developed using a vaety of grasses, which had the ability to adapt to specifc areas in each region. The test plots were set
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up in the fve diferent regions in the state. Each test plot location was set-up identically, to test vaous live native grass plugs, gass sod, blended seed mixes bd diferent plbting techiques. Each site was set up to test 12 to 14 diferent tyes of native grass species grown as grass plugs, sod bd blended seed mixes. Grass plugs were grown in monoculture individual test plots, to monitor each grass species' growing characteristics and survivability rates. I addition, the 1. blended seed mixes were tested and installed using various mass plbting techniques, which included hydroseeding, drill seeding and imprinting.
ES.4 INSTALLATION
Most of the test sites were initially covered with numerous weeds and non-natives grasses. All the sites were chemically sprayed fr weed control 14 days prior to plating. I addition, due to the highly compacted soils at all the sites, all the sites were ripped using a skiploader with a roto tiller attachment and tilled to a depth of nine inches. This technique was very efective and cost efcient and loosened the soil to a compaction rate of 70 to 80 percent which was ideal fr te plant installation.
Grass plugs and sod were gown at Speedling ad GreenHar Nurseries and were of the higest quality. Both grass plugs ad sod installed easily and provided excellent cover ad valuable research infrmation fr this proga.
ES.5 PROGR RSULTS
This Program developed ad tested various native gass species gown and installed using vaious planting mediums and installation techiques at fve diferent locations troughout the state. A key fnding of this Proga was that native gasses can be developed as a sustainable roadside vegetation community which also has the potential fr weed, erosion and fre control. However, there is a limited number of native grass species that will work under the hash conditions of a tyical Caltrans roadside project and with the gowth chaacteristics to be easily maintained. The fllowing are recommended native grasses, plbting techniques ad soil additives that showed success fr each of the fve climate regions.
ES.5.1 RECOMMENED NATIE GRASSES FOR THE CENTRL VALLEY (PLACER COUTY)
Botanical Name Agrostis pallens Elymus glaucus 'Elton' Elymus multisetus Hordeum brachyathesm Nassella cemua deawned Nassella pulcha
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ES.5.2 RECOMMENDED NATIVE GRSSES FOR CENTRL COASTAL {SA LUS OBISPO)
Botanical Name Elymus trachycaulus 'Major' Elymus glaucus 'Berkeley' Melica califmica Melica imperf ecta N assella pulchra deawned Nassella cemua deawned
.. ES.5.3 RECOMMENDED NATIVE GRASSES FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY (FRESNO COUTY)
Botanical Name Achnatherum speciosum Elymus trachycaulus Muhlenbergia rigens Nassella cemua
ES.5.4 RECOMMENED NATIVE GRSSES FOR THE CENTRAL ILAN (MONTEREY COUTY)
Botanical Name Elymus glacus 'Berkeley' Elymus trachycaulus 'Major' Melica califmica Melica imperfecta Nassella pulchra deawned Nassella cemua deawned
ES.5.5 RCOMMENDED NATIVE GRASSES FOR THE ILAN DESERT (RERSIE COUNTY)
Botanical Name Nassella pulchra deawned Nassella lepida deawned
ES.6 RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Based on the experience during this Program, the fllowing installation techiques are recomended fr native gass vegetation projects, depending on the individual site conditions:
• Drll seeding: this technique was cost efective ad had the fstest germination rates ad highest surivability. It is recomended fr use in all fat aeas and areas up to 4:1 slopes.
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• Hydroseeding: this technique was also cost efective, had little slower germination rate tha drll seeding ad good survivability. It is recommended in all aeas of slopes 4: 1 ad over, ad aeas with accessibility problems.
ES.7 SOIL ADITIVES
As pa of this program, research was conducted on various planting materials and soil additives including mycorrhizal inoculum, water polyers ad erosion control blaets. Mycorrhizal inoculum fngi was tested ad incororated into the soil of certain sections at all the sites and showed a dramatic increase in root grown ad plat mass ad height. It is easily incorporated into the soil and is very cost efective. Based on the obserations of this Proga, it 1s recommended that mycorrhizal inoculum be incorporated as a soil additive in fture projects.
Other additives showed some promise, but were tested on a more limited basis ad, therefre, no defnitive recommendation is made on the use of these types of additives in fture projects.
ES.8 NATIVE GRSS SOD
During this Progra, various tyes of native grasses gown in sod frm were developed ad tested. Each of the vaious gasses tested were also grown in a monoculture sod fr. These sod grass plots were installed in Jauay prior to the seasonal rains ad did not receive additional supplemental watering. In year two additional sod test plots were developed using mixtures of blended native grasses species developed into a large sod blaet. Most of these native grass sod tests developed into a lush, well developed and woven together sod mat ideally fr sod installation. Most sod varieties were very dense ad prevented the invasion of weeds ad non native grasses.
I yea one of the Program, 18"xl8" sod test plots were developed and installed in monocultue plots fr each native gass species at each test site location. During yea one, 60 percent of the sod vaeties survived, with the survival decreasing to 30 percent the second ad third yeas. Most grasses had a problem developing proper root growth deep enough into the soil and, as a result, were susceptible to hash climate conditions. The successfl species were heaier bd developed deeper root structures ad, in general, surived better. These sod plots also successflly generated seed and kept out invasive weeds ad non-native grasses.
I year to, additional sod test plots were developed using a blended variety of native grasses. These test plots were much bigger (10' x 50'). Two diferent test plots at three digerent site locations were tested in year to. These sod test plots germinated quickly in the nursery and developed a 4" root structure within six to eight weeks. These test plots were very aesthetically pleasing, developing a nice bright green sod turf. They surived the frst summer well, but like other sods, weathered afer the second year because the root stsctures filed to develop deep enough into the soil. However, these gasses did help suppress weed growth ad provided instant erosion control.
With additional sod testing of various native grass species and diferent growing methods, this installation medium has geat potential.
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ES.9 PROJCT SUMMAY
At the sta of this Progam, a number of previous studies were reviewed ad provided an excellent staing point fr the development of the specifc Proga fr state highway rights-of way. Although preliminary indications were that substantial data on native gass vegetation programs were available, a lot of the research infrmation contradicted other research or was not practical fr a mass production project such as this Progam. Much of the available infration was also developed fom controlled situations or was too costly to be implemented on the massive scale anticipated under this Progra.
This Program was developed using feld trials and cost effcient installation techiques. This resulted in a tremendous amount of usefl infration on both the efective and less efective elements in the Progam. The most important thing leared fom this program is that native grasses can grow aywhere ad are generally very heay. They can be implemented several diferent ways and can be easily maintained. They are also efective fr erosion control ad some have some potential fr fre control. However, there are over 350 native gass species tat grow thoughout Califria and only about 20 diferent species have been thoroughly reseached ad tested fr application in this type of Program. With less than 10 percent of potential native grasses researched ad tested to date, there ae substatial opportunities fr considering other native grasses fr applications in this type of Progra.
During this Program, 28 diferent tyes of native grasses were tested at the fve diferent test aeas. At every site, some species were successfl, regardless of the adverse conditions at the sites. A key fnding of this proga was that may of the grass species recommended by various experts and fom previous reseach filed. Clealy, insufcient reseach is curently available fr making substantial recommendations fr the development of this type of proga. Based on the experience of this Pilot Proga, some previous reseach may be in error or inappropriate fr application in a progra fr using native grasses statewide in highway rigts of-way. This type of program and development of native grass roadside installations has the ability to be successfl, but fher research ad evaluation of additional native gass species needs to be conducted, including testing and implementing in real lif situations to allow fr a more complete understanding of these species' efectiveness in providing atractive, easily maintained, self sustaining landscape in aeas like highway rights-of-way. A key fnding fom this Pilot Progra is the need fr a much greater understanding of the potential fr this tye of progra to be implemented on a very large scale throughout the state. It is recommended that additional reseach be conducted on a statewide basis, with an on going progra developed to coordinate ad develop this into a industry standad installation and sustainable program for Caltras' rights-of .. way throughout Califra.
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SECTION 1.0 PROGRM OVRVIEW
P&D Consultants was retained by the Califra Depament of Transportation (Caltrans) to lead the research and development of a Native Grass Evaluation Pilot Progam. The goal fr this Progam was to test and evaluate native grass species and planting techniques that could be used to reduce the need fr chemical roadside spraying to control tyical weed growth along Caltrans rights-of-way on state routes thoughout Califria ad to reduce the potential fr stor water rnof and fre in vegetated areas. P&D worked with Caltrans representatives, Speedling and GreenHeart Nurseries, S&S Seed Company, Conservaseed Seed Compay and Califria State Universities Riverside and Davis to develop the Progam goals, methodology and planting concepts.
The identifed objectives of the Program were to:
(1) identify native gass species that are suitable fr the purposes of reducing fre risk and improve water quality and reduce erosion along state highways.
(2) develop efcient installation techniques fr plating these species.
(3) develop a program fr converting state highway road edges fom weeds to self-sustaining perenial native grass plant commuities.
The Pilot Progam and the Progam fndings are described in detail in the fllowing sections of this Reort:
Section 2.0 Research. This Section briefy summarizes the review of existing studies ad research regarding native gass installations, soil prepaation and maintenance progam regiems.
Section 3.0 Test Site Locations and Planting Desigs. This Section describes the selected Program test sites and the three plating designs used in the Progra.
Section 4.0 Site Prepaation and Evaluation of Planting Techniques. This Section describes the Program test sites, their pre-Program conditions and how the sites were prepared prior to planting. This Section also sumarizes the evaluation of the three plating techniques.
Section 5.0 Suplemental Additives. This Section describes the supplemental additives which were added to the soils at some test sites, to evaluate their ef ectiveness in assisting in the germination ad survivability of the native gasses.
Section 6.0 Istallation Summar. This Section briefy summarizes the site installation, germination ad surivability rates and recommendations and analysis fr the three planting techniques.
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Section 7.0 Year One Summa. This Section describes the activities conducted at the fve Proga test sites including the perfrace of the native gasses installed at each site ad the site prepaation and maintenace activities conducted at each site in yea one of the Progam.
-. Section 8.0 Year Two Summa. This Section describes the activities conducted at the fve Progam test sites including the perfrmace of the native grasses installed at each site and te site preparation and maintenace activities conducted at each site in yea two of the Progra. I I
Section 9.0 Year Thee Summa. This Section describes the activities conducted at the fve Progam test sites including the perfrmance of the native gasses installed at each site and the site prepaation and maintenace activities conducted at each site in yea thee of the Proga.
Section 10.0 Findings. This Section summaszes the fndings of this Progam including site desig, site preparation, seed desig specifcations, maintenace, erosion control, fre control, weed control and sod installation.
Section 11.0 Site Photos. This Section provides saple photos fom test plots and various plating techniques.
Section 12.0 Refrences. This Section lists the refrences reseached during the conduct of this Proga.
Section 13.0 List of Prepaers. This Section lists the persons and agencies who paicipated in this Pilot Program and who contributed to the preparation of this Report.
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SECTION 2.0 RESEARCH Na tve Grass Program Section 2.0
SECTION2.0 RESEACH
P&D conducted extensive review of existing studies regarding native gass installations, site soil preparation and plant installation techniques, soil additives and maintenance progams. These repors ofered numerous fndings and infration potentially applicable to the Native Grass Evaluation Pilot Progam. However, most of the available research data were developed fom controlled situations or were too costly to be implemented on the large scale proposed fr the statewide Native Grass Progam. I addition, some reports and infrmation contradicted each other ad, therefre, their applicability to this Progra was uncertain. As a result, P&D ad Caltrans' Project Manager developed a proj ect specifc test reseach progam, using tyical Caltrans roadsides and planting techniques, to evaluate and confr existing research, and test and evaluate implementing native grasses as a cost efective weed and erosion control progam fr Caltras state route rights-of-way.
The existing studies and research which were reviewed fr this Pilot Progam are listed m Section 12.0 (Refrences).
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SECTION 3.0 TEST SITE LOCATIONS AD PLANTING DESIGNS
3.1 TEST SITE LOCATIONS
The Progam test site locatio,ns were selected by Caltrans based on climate region and availability. Test pilot sites were selected in the Central Valley (Placer County), Central Coastal (San Luis Obispo), Central Valley (Fresno County), Central Iland (Monterey County) and Inland Deser (Riverside County). These sites represent the tyical conditions fr each of these specifc climate regions. These sites included a 10 fot wide area fom road edge out fr the length of the test site. This are was selected because it represents the fre zone strip the generally requires the most maintenance. At each test site, extensive site analysis was conducted which included visual analysis of existing site conditions and vegetation. In addition, P&D took soil samples fr analysis and conducted soil compaction tests at each of these sites.
During these aalyses, most of the test sites were obsered to have over compacted soils ranging fom 90 to 95 percent compaction, average to somewhat poor soil nutrients conditions and approximately nine inches of soil over the existing roadbase materal. Sites that were compacted fom 93 to 95 percent generally had no weed or plant gowh. These sites also had poor nutrent soils levels. Sites with lower compaction rates had sigifcant amounts of plant gowh. The Fresno County site had the worst site conditions, with extreme temperatures over 100 degees Fahenheit (F) in the sumer, poor soil nutrients ad thee inches of gravel on the surfce with minimal soil. All the oter test sites had milder climates, with a minimum of nine inches of soil cover over the existing roadbase material. However, the San Louis Obispo and Placer County sites had extremely dense weed cover and non-native gasses. Both these sites also had lage open areas of weeds and non-native grasses adj acent the test sites, which were expected to make it diffcult to establish new grass species on these test sites.
3.2 PLANTING DESIGNS
The native grass planting designs were developed based on practical mass production techniques that could be easily installed by Caltrans or a contractor at a reasonable cost. Various plating techniques were analyed and selected that could be installed at a cost ranging fom $0.04 to $0.08 per square (SF), plus the cost fr the seed.
Native gass seed mixes were developed based on the regional gowing characteristics fr the individual test sites. Seed mixes were developed using a variety of grasses, fcusing on grasses which would have the ability to adapt to the specifc areas in each region. These mixes were developed based on existing research and were reviewed and recommended by several native gass expers, seed growers, nurseries and maintenance operations managers. The concept was to develop a seed mix fr each individual climate region. Each mix would have a variety of native grasses that would successflly gow in that specifc region. These mixes would have a variety of grasses that would work fr the whole region. The blending of grass species would provide an easy way of specifying roadside planting per region and creating more random, natural looking roadside plantings.
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The test plots were set up in the fve diferent regions thougout the state. Each test plot location was set up identically, to test the efectiveness of vaious live native grass plugs, native gass sod ad diferent tyes of planting techiques. Each site was set up testing 12 to 14 diferent tyes of gass species gown into grass plugs and grown in a monoculture individual test plots to monitor each grass species' growing characteristics ad survivability rates. These grass plugs were grow in 1.5 ad 2.5 inch plug containers and plated at 6" ad 12" spacing. Individual 18" x 18" grass sod test plots were grow ad planted fr each individual native grass species. Each site also tested blended native gass mixes ad planted using vaious mass planting techniques, which included hydroseeding, drill seeding ad imprnting. Exhibit 3-1 provides a typical test site planing layout.
Photogaphs of these planting techniques are provided later in Section 12.0.
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1E-----B3 I ( IED MIX (HAND SEEDING) "SO EASY" SEED MIX
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2 CELL PLUGS ,,,. 7CBPLUGS "' 72 CELPl. UGS !MIXED) 1 TOTAi 1,483
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1010' 10'-" t• • " PLUGS@1D"O.C. ",nMONOCILTCELLPLUOS 1 I r AND 72 C!U:MllED IPECID QS PWQI i- --- ·o. ------• , I -H - - - SPECIFl.ED MIX !HYDROSEED! ©2 SCALl:NONE
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,_, Ld A«:t PROJECT Sll l l YUBA COUNTY P&D Consultants I 99 Tow I Cof 4t R ! TEST SITE 1 ,. (RTE 65, PM 7 .0-8.0) NORTH BOUND .., - - @ REVSIONS JOB 10. SHEET 2 OF 3 - TPICAL PLNTING BLOCK FOR PLNT SPACING QUANTITIES INPRINTING, HDR08eEDING & DRILL (10'x!O') SEEDING: 3"0.C. l,000 24: CEll PLUGS '"'' ro.c. 2,000 72CEllPLUGS '" 9"0.C. 175 7 CELL PtUOS IMIXEDJ 24 12"0.C. "' TOTAL 1,413
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SECTION 4.0 SITE PREPARTION AND EVALUATION OF PLANTING TECHNIQUES Na tve Grass Progam Section 4. 0
SECTION 4.0 SITE PREPAATION AND EVALUATION OF PLANTING TECHNIQUES
4.1 SITE PREPAATION
Most of the test sites were covered with numerous weeds and non-native grasses. All the sites were chemically sprayed using Round-Up Pro fr weed control 14 days prior to plating. I ' addition, because of the highly compacted soils at all the sites, all sites were ripped using a skip loader with a roto-tiller attachment and roto:tilled to a depth of nine inches. This techique efectively and cost efciently loosened the soil to a compaction rate of 70 to 80 percent. Ths provided excellent conditions to efectively install the seed ad gass plugs using the varous plating techniques. Mycorrhizal inoculum was incororated into the soil fr the second fve fet fom the roadway at each test site location to test its efects on gerination ad gowing of native grasses.
4.2 PLANTING TECHNIQUES AD EVALUATION OF THE PLATING TECHNIQUES
The planting techniques were selected based on reseach regading mass production ad perfrance fr gerination ad survivability. For this Progra, hydroseeding, imprinting, dll seeding· ad installation of live grass plugs were selected a the plating techniques. These techiques and their ef ectiveness fr this Progra ae discussed in the fllowing Sections. Photogaphs of these techniques ae provided later in Section 12.0.
4.2.1 HDROSEEDIG
Description of the Hydroseeding Technique
Hydroseeding has been used in the ladscape industry fr yeas and is very efective. This technique uses a mixture of water and wood fber mixed with seed in a ta to fr a slur that ca be pumped tough a hose and sprayed directly on a site. For this project, the hydroseed mix was applied in two stages or applications. The frst application was installed using 80 percent of the total seed fr the aea and only 20 percent of the fber mulch, with no binder added. This application put most of the seed directly in contact with the soil ad used enoug mulch to evenly spread the material on the site. The second application was installed using the remaining 20 percent of the seed, 80 percent of the mulch and the binder additive. This was done to cover the seed, to protect it fom dryng out and to seal it in place. I addition, at the Sa Luis Obispo site, straw was added on top of the hydroseeded aea to help retain moisture ad improve seed germination.
Evaluation of theHydrosee ding Techigue
The installation of native gass seed using hydroseeding techniques was very cost efective ad efcient. Hydroseeding was the best techique fr slopes and areas with access problems where drill seeding was not possible. The hydroseeded grass areas germinated about fur to fve weeks
F:\SHARD\HarrWew Native Grass\Section 4.0.doc 4-1 October 6, 2004 Na tive Grass Program Secton 4.0
afer application, but did not have as high of rate of germination ad survivability as aeas tat were dll seeded. However, it was determined that some gass species did gerinate better using the hydroseeding technique tha the drill seeding technique. Furher studies will need to be conducted to study which grass seed species germinate better using which plating techique.
4.2.2 DRILL SEEDIG
I I Description Seeding Technique of the Drll
Drill seeding has been used successglly in the agriculture industry fr a very long time. This is a very simple and cost efective installation technique. This techique uses a tractor that pulls a machine which resembles a plow. This machine has numerous di sks spaced approximately fur to six inches apar that r along the soil, cutting gooves into the soil, placing the seed into th e gooves ad then covering the gooves with soil.
Evaluation of the Drill Seeding Techique
Drll seeding was the most cost egective techique and provided the fstest gerination rates of all the installation techiques considered in this Progra. However, drill seeding cut goves into the soil ad seeded the gass like crops, which resulted in unifrm rows of native gasses. Althoug efective in ters of seed germination and surivability, the native gasses on the drll seeded sites did not appea natural. At the Monterey test site, the drill seeded areas were gone over fur times, but still yielded the sae row like appearace. One option fr minimizing the artifcial appearance of grasses plated using drill seeding would be to add a light screed to be dragged behind the drill seeder, whch might assist in displacing the unifr rows ad improve the randoness of the seed installation.
4.2.3 IPRTIG
Descrption of the Imprinting Seeding Techique
Imprinting is a relatively new technique fr installing plant seeds. Only fve or six compaies have developed machines specifcally fr this ty e of seeding operation which have been proven to be successgl in large· mass production projects. The imprinting techique consists of a machine that looks much like a stea roller, except the roller has fat small fet that push the seeds into the gound as it is rolled over the site. This technique is very efcient ad cost efective, but must be caeglly monitored to ensure proper imprinting techniques are fllowed or the installation may result in much lower tha normal germination rates.
Evaluation of the Drill Seeding Technique
Imprinting was a very efcient and cost egective installation technique. However, this technique did not result in as quick or as high of germination rates as the drill seeding techique. One reason is that not all seed was properly pushed into the ground ad a large amount of seed was either blow away by wind or eaten by birds. Some sites had higher germination rates, but long ter survivability declined af er two months because the seed was not rooted properly into
F:\SHARD\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Section 4.0.doc 4-2 October 6, 2004 Na tive Grass Program Section 4. 0
! ! the soil and as not protected fom the hash climate conditions. However, hydroseeding did produce more natural appeang gass cover, but had a little lower gerination success rate experienced in the hydroseeded ad drll seeded plots.
4.2.4 NUSERY GROWN GRASS PLUGS A SOD
Nurser Grown Grass Plugs ad Sod Techique I - Description of the Grown Grass Plugs ad Sod Technique
Extensive research was conducted ad review of various nurseries and seed fa s to evaluate ad develop the design of producing native grass plugs and sod. P&D ad Caltras decided to use Speedling and GreenHear Nurseries to grow and develop the native grass plugs and sod. Both these nurseries are desiged to grow mass production plat material using the latest in gowing techiques. Grass plugs were developed using various size containers to test diferences in survivability based of root mass ad root depth at initial planting. Vaious grass species were also gown in sod frm to test if these gass species could be gown in a mass production sod blaet that could be easily installed and provide instat weed ad erosion control. The growing of native gasses in sod frm worked much better tha expected ad germinated into a useable sod matt within six to seven weeks.
Evaluation of the Nursery Grown Grass Plugs ad Sod Techique
The frst year native grass sod was grown in 18" x 18" test sections fr each of the diferent gass species ad was very successfl. In year two, 10 ' x 50' sections of sod were gown using a variety of three to fve diferent gass species fr each ffy fot section. Each of these sod sections germinated extremely well at the nursery, growing a extensive fur inch root stscte within six weeks.
Although this was only tested on a limited basis, the sod worked much better tha expected ad has great potential, ad should be studied more extensively.
Live Grass Plugs
Description of the Live Grass Plugs Technique
Based on the research and consultations with native grass expers, it was believed that plating live native grass plugs without supplemental irrigation would result in 100 percent ftality within the frst year. Going against the research and recommendations of other native gass expers, P&D and Caltras Project Manager Jack Broadbent decided to try gowing native grass plugs. It was thought that native grass plugs could be successfl if plants with a deep root structure ad established prior to the frst summer to increase plant survivability. I addition, it was flt that native grasses should be hearier ad should have a stronger possibility in survivability without supplemental water. The grass plugs were grown as a mono culture plating to evaluate th eir growth characteristics, survivability ad ability to out compete invasive weeds and non-native gasses.
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The native gas plugs fr this Program were installed by had using a fve fot ba to poke holes ad insering the gass plugs into these holes by had.
A mass production plating machine was recently developed that can automatically inser grass plugs at vaious spacings, which would minimize the need fr maually hole punching ad plug insertion when using native gass plugs. This would dramatically reduce the installation costs fr this technique which would mae it a more viable massp roduction techique.
Evaluation of the Live Grass Plugs Technique
Despite the research and recomendations fund in previous studies, the growing ad installing live native grass plugs proved to be very successfl in this study. The native gass plugs gerinated within weeks, were flly developed in the containers within fve weeks and produced beautifl visual pleasing grasses. Grass plugs were every efective at quickly determining gowth characteristics ad survivability of each diferent gass species fr each climatic region. However, this was a very expensive installation techique compared to other planting techques because of the high level of maual activities associated with it. The grass plugs technique produce quick plant cover fr weed and erosion control ad had a very good survivability rate.
Native Gass Sod
Descrption of the Native Grass Sod Technique
Native grass sod was developed ad tested to fnd a product that could be quickly installed bd established ad that could out-compete local weeds and non-native grasses. This system would be used where weed growth is extremely high ad other plating techiques would not be able to out-compete local weed populations. This plating techique could also be used fr instbt erosion control fr specifc project needs.
Sod test plots were developed during the frst yea fr each of the various test grass species. These were grow in a mono culture in 15" x 15" test plots. Sod was grown with a 0.5 inch soil base and germinated within six to eight weeks, depending on the paricula gass species. They frmed dense sod mats. These test plots survived the frst year very well ad kept out invasive weeds and non-native gasses very well.
I year two, additional larger test plots were developed using a mixture of three to fve diferent native gass species, to develop more infrmation about native sod. These sod test samples were grow in 1 O' x 50' sections and germinated within 6 to 8 weeks. The sod root growth was substantial, growing fur inches in depth in six weeks and producing a attractive dense sod mat. This sod perfred well the frst year, but died back afer the second s umer because the sod had too much exposed root stscture and not enough soil to protect the sod fom the sumer heat.
I yea three, review of the sod test plots throughout the state fund that most of the sod plots had died. However, a fw sod test plots did survive ad perfrmed extremely well. These
F:\SHARD\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Section 4. 0.doc 4-4 October 6, 2004 Na tve Grass Program Section 4. 0 successfl sod test plots were reseeding ad the sod had actually out-competed the surrounding weed populations. Although most species filed, this test did show tat native sod could work if the rght native grass species ad sod techniques were established.
Evaluation of the Native Grass Sod Techique
The development of a native grass sod that can out-compete weeds ad non-native grasses has geat promise. However, this technique will need additional development ad test tr als to deterine which species and combination of species ca be established into long ter sod ad establish itself in the hash roadside environment.
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SECTION 5.0 SUPPLEMENTAL ADDITIVES
5.1 USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL ADDITIVES
As par of this project, a number of supplemental additives ad products were tried on a limited basis to determine their ability to assist in the germination and growth potential of native grasses. These included the use of mycorhizal, polyers and native gass blaets ad other tyes of seed application. As described in this Section, some of these showed sigifcant improvements in seed gerination, plant gowth ad others did not.
5.2 MYCORIZAL SOIL INOCULUM
Mycorrhizal inoculum was added to proj ect test site locations ad incorporated into the soil during the site preparation part of the project. Mycorrhizal was incororated in the second fve fet of each of the test plots, away fom the road shoulder in each ten fot wide section.
Mycorrhizal are sybiotic associations that frm between the roots of most plat species ad fgi. These symbioses are characterized by bi-directional movement of nutrients where cabon fows to the fngus and inorganic nutrents move to the plat, thereby providing a critical linage between the plat root ad soil.
During the testing proga, there was a distinct diference in the growth chaacterstics in the native gasses which were in soils inoculated with mycorrhizal. The inoculated soils had a much higer surivability rate, ad the native gasses gew taller and fller and had an approximate 30 to 40 percent increase of root gowth. This progam confrms existing reseach that mycorhizal inoculum is extremely benefcial in the germination ad establishent of native gasses. This application was also very cost efective costing approximately .50 per 100 squae fet. It is recommended that mycorrhizal inoculum be added to fture simila plating proj ects.
5.3 SOIL POLYMERS (ATER ABSORBING CRYSTALS)
TeraGel crystals were added to a small pa of some of the test aeas during the second year of the project. These crystals were added to the part of the sod installation areas and incororated into a fw rows of the gass plugs.
TeraGel crystals are a potassium based co-polymer crystal which absorb hundreds of times its weight in water, ad on demand, will release the moisture to plants. I dry frm, the crystals ae white, crystalline granules with a neutral pH, ad when hydrated they become a gel which retains fuids. These crystals are supposed to be able to rehydrate thousands of time in their lif spa and last fr approximately seven years.
During the limited testing of these crystals, it was obsered that the polymers were retaining moisture fr _a prolonged term ad some gasses did show better surivability if they were in soils treated with these crystals. However, durng the second year, there was a minimal visual
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! ! diference in the gasses ad there were no visual sigs of crystals rehydrating themselves. However, this testing was conducted on · a very limited basis ad no conclusions ca be made based on this limited testing. There is potential fr soil polyers to beneft fture planting progams and frther testing to determine the actual long term benefts is recommended.
5.4 TERGRF BLAKTS
As pa of this project, TeraGraf Blanets were tested oh a limited basis. A TeraGraf blaet is a pre-seeded erosion control blaet. These blankets come premade, seeded to meet site specifc needs. They are provided in one meter wide ad20 meter long blakets. These blaets are made using several layers of a hydo-degadable paper impregnated with seed and lainated to biodegadable jute netting or poly-woven material that attaches to the soil. The TeraGraf blaet will melt away when wet (either though irgation or rain), encapsulating the seed ad attaching to the soil.
This system was tested in two small test sites and perfrmed very well. Seed quickly gerinated ad attached itself securely to the soil. However, there were potential concers regading the blaets becoming detached fom the soil due to vehicle trafc ad could become a hazad to travelers on the road. However, because of the potential benefts in assisting in seed germination, it is recommended that additional testing of this techique be conducted in te fture.
F:\SHARD\HarrWew Na tive Grass\Section 5. 0.doc 5-2 October 6, 2004 SECTION 6.0 INSTALLATION SUMMARY Na tive Grass Program Secton 6. 0
SECTION 6.0 INSTALATION SUMY
All the project test sites were sprayed fr weeds, soils tilled ad plated using drll seeding, hydroseeding, imprinting, live grass plugs and sod planting teciiques. These techniques ae shown in the photos in Section 12.0. All these techiques except live grass plugs were easily ad cost efectively installed. All installation techniques were successfl ad had adequate gerination rates. Table 6-1 s umarizes the individual installation costs, gerination time, survivability ad recommendations.
TALE 6-1 INSTALLATION SUMARY
Technique Cost per Square Germination Time Survivability Recommendations Foot Imrting $0.035 5 to 7 weeks Low Large areas only Hydoseedig $0.03 4 to 6 weeks Medium Slopes Drill Seeding $0.025 2 to 3 weeks High Flat areas
I comparison to imprinting and hydroseeding drill seeding was the most cost efective techniques based on cost, gerination ratio and survivability. Drill seeding is highly recomended fr all areas accessible by the equipment. Hydroseeding was also a good technique, was cost efective, had a good gerination rate ad is recommended fr slope aeas and aeas not accessible by drill seeding equipment. Iprinting was not practical fr this typeof project because of the equipment availability ad oversight needed to ensure proper procedues, ad site conditions needed to successflly imprint seed using this techique. Therefre, this technique is not recommended fr narow roadside projects.
F:\SHARD\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Section 6. 0. doc 6-1 October 6, 2004 SECTION 7.0 YEAR ONE SUMMARY Na tive Grass Program Section 7.0
SECTION 7.0 YEAR ONE SUMMARY
7.1 OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR ONE SUMMARY
P&D conducted a site aalysis 90 days afer construction installation ad again one year later fr each of the plating test site locations, to deterine the s uccess of each of the gass species ad the perfrace of the vaious plating techiques. The perfrace results showed almost a 100 percent surival fr gass plugs at the Monterey County site ad 85 to 90 percent at the Sa Luis Obispo ad Placer County sites. The Fresno County ad Riverside County sites ae deser sites ad had much lower surivability rates. Overall, the sites perfred better tha expected in the frst year. The fllowing Sections discuss the perfrace of each of the test sites afer one year. The tables cited in this Section ae provided fllowing the last page of text in this Section.
Photos of the yea one conditions at the fve test site locations ae provided later in Section 12.0.
7.2 YEAR ONE SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
The Placer County site is located on the northboud side of State Route65, between PMs 7.0 ad 8.0. This site was aoter good site with a average survivability rate of 90 percent with several species at 100 percent afer yea one. The dill seeding techique was again the fstest gerinating technique ad had the highest survivability rate. Hydroseeding also gerinated 3 to 4 weeks slower ad had a good survivability rate. The imprinting technique was not used at ts site because of limited space ad availability of the equipment. The monocultue platings of gass plugs defnitely showed the diferences in adaptability ad survivability of the digerent gass species at this location. Several gasses did extremely well ad reseeded temselves. This site also had a grow-kill period implemented fr weed control prior to construction, but the site was impacted with weeds ad non-native grasses. This was attributed to weed ad non-native gass seed being blown onto the site fom adj acent large felds of weeds ad non-native gasses. This was one of the hadest sites at which to control weeds.
7.2. 1 YEA ONE TEST SUMY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Tables 7-1 ad 7-2, provided fllowing the last page of text in this Section, s umaize the perfrmace of the native grasses in yea one at the Placer County site.
7.2.2 YEA ONE MAINTENANCE SUMMAY FOR THE PLACER COUTY SITE
Anual maintenace of the site including had pulling of thistle ad mowing of the grass test site aea to fur inches in height. This site had invasive weeds in the grass plug, drill seeding ad hydroseeding test aeas. Chemical sprayng on a limited bases was applied to a couple of gass plug aeas.
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TABLE 7-1 NATIVE GRASS TEST PLOT EVALUATION SUMMARY FOR YA ONE FOR IBE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Placer County 240 cell container 72 cell container # Species #Planted #Alive % Survival #Planted Alive % Survival Agrostis vallens 525 489 93.1 218 200 9 1 .7 Nassella pulchra 615 581 94.4 245 219 89.3 Me lica califorica 610 453 74.2 210 177 84 .2 Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. calioricum 485 424 87.4 236 207 87.7 Poa secunda ssp. secunda 0 0 0 0 0 0 Koeleria macrantha 478 368 75.3 220 166 75 .4 Achnatherum hymenoides 0 0 0 0 0 0 Elymus multisetus 610 517 84.7 242 215 88.8 Nassella cerua deawned 619 596 96.2 272 252 92.6 Elymus glaucus 'Elton' 547 499 91.4 265 244 92.0 Elvmus elymoides 495 385 77.7 266 222 83 .4 Fetuca idahoensis 600 547 91.1 283 255 90. 1 Planting Technique % Survival Hydroseeded Aea 88.4 Drill Seeded Area 89.5
TABLE 7-2 YA ONE SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Grass Species Plugs Sod 1 Agrosti pallens E G 2 Nassella vulchra E E 3 Me lica califorica F F 4 Ho rdeum brachvantherum ssp. Californicum G G 5 Poa secunda ssp. Secunda N N 6 Ko eleria macrantha F F 7 Achnatherum hymenoides N N 8 Elvmus multietus G F 9 Na ssella cerua deawned E E 10 Elymus glaucus 'Elton' E E 11 Elvmus elvmoides F G 12 Fe tuca idahoensis E G E: Excellent G: Good F: Fair P: Poor NA: not applicable; tis planting techique was not used at ts site.
F:\SHA RED\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Placer Co unt\section 7. 0.doc 7-2 October 6, 2004 SECTION 8.0 YEAR TWO SUMMARY Na tive Grass Program Section 8.0
SECTION 8.0 YEAR TWO SUMMARY
8.1 OVERVIEW OF THE YEA TWO SUMMARY
During yea two, P&D conducted two site aalyses at each of the test plot aeas, once during the I rainy season ad again in the sumer, to monitor ad track the success of each of the grass species and the perfrmance of the various planting techniques. The perfrace results of the year two analysis ae summarized in this Section. These results showed a decline in gass plugs ad sod survivability, but numerous grass plugs species still had over 90 percent survivability. The Monterey site was the best with over a 90 percent surivability rate fr grass plugs and the seeding techiques also perfred well. The San Luis Obispo ad Placer County sites also were perfring well, with numerous gass plugs suvivability over 85% ad seeding techniques also doing well. However, at the Fresno County site, the grass plugs declined severely with most species dieing of Three gass plug species suived at that site and were doing well. Seeded areas at this site did not germinate the frst year due to lack of rain, but gerinated during the second yea, but at a lower rate than other test aeas. The Rverside County site which had died the frst year because of uusually hot dy winter was replanted prior to the season's frst rains. However, this site was already showing severe die back by the end of summer.
During yea two additional native gass sod plots were developed to test native gass sod on a lager scale. Two ten by ffy fot test plots were developed ad installed at the Sa Luis Obispo, Monterey and Placer County sites. These additional sod test plots gerinated extremely fst and developed into a beautigl lush sod mat with a thick fur inch root stscture at the nursery. Overall, these new test plots did well througout their frst year.
Additional gass plugs were also developed during the second year fr the Fresno County site. These new gass plugs were developed using a deeper container tray that produced plugs with a root structure of six inches in depth. It was anticipated that this extra depth would give the gass plugs a better jump star ad a geater ability to secure their roots into the soil to protect themselves fom the harsh desert climate. These deeper plugs did sigifcatly better tha the previous yea's smaller and shorer grass test plugs.
The fllowing Sections discuss the perfrance of each of the test sites afer year two. The tables cited in this Section are provided fllowing the last page of text. Photos of the test sites during yea two are provided in Section 12.0.
8.2 YEAR TWO SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
This site was perfring at an average level, with most of the gass plugs with survival rates of 70 to 80 percent. This is mostly because of the hasher climate and extreme summer temperatures at this site, compared to the other test sites. There was also a distinct diference in the grass plugs that had their soils amended with mycorrhizal inoculum. These gasses showed sigifcat increase in root gowth, plant mass and height.
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Nessel/a cerua, Nessel/a pulchra, Agrostis pallens ad Elymus glaucus did exceptionally well at this site. The Festuca idaoensis was short in stature, dark green in color and was the best looking gass. Most of the bunch gasses stayed geen longer tha the other gasses and, therefre, should be considered fr use on roadsides where gel reduction is critical.
It was also observed that the soil at this site did not recompact itself as much as the other sites. With these lower compaction rates ad the presence of adj acent felds of weed ad non-native gasses, this site was invaded by weeds ad non-native gasses. The prevailing winds spread large numbers of weed seed fom these felds. It is aticipated that these weed and non-native grass species will eventually overn this site.
The new native gasses at this site generated seed, but it was a small aount compared to the weed and non-native gass seeds fom adj acent felds. As a result, the new native grasses were only able to minimally reseed themselves at this site. Because the adj acent areas contain signifcat amounts of weed and non-native grasses and generated large amounts of seed, this site was severely impacted by this unwanted ad undesirable seed.
Two additional 1 O'x 50' grass sod test strips were also installed at this site in yea two. One sod test area was installed using three diferent grass species and the other using fve diferent gass species. The test sod saples gerinated in six weeks, gew a fur-inch root stscture and matted together well. These areas were plated in late Januay, prior the heavy winter rains. The gound was wet at the time the sod test strips were installed. The soil was roto-tilled ad the sod test strips were laid in place. Water polymers were added to the soil fr half of each section fo r each of the two sod areas. The sod was easy to install and had a healthy appearace afer installation.
The plating techniques were reviewed and showed a sigifcant diference when compared to the grass plugs testing. No imprinting was tested at this site. The hydroseeded areas were average ad not all the vaous grass species germinated. Overall, the hydroseeded areas were natural looking ad some of the grass species in the mix looked good. The drill seeded areas looked the healthiest but the rows that were evident looked aifcial and not natural. Seeded areas were defnitely under seeded. Seed rates at 100 seed per square fet need to be substantially increased to produce enough quick gound cover and seed to out-compete local weeds and non-native gasses.
8.2.1 YA TWO TEST SUMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Tables 8-1 and 8-2, provided fllowing the last page of text in this Section, s umarize the perfrmace of the native grasses in yea two at the Placer County site.
8.2.2 YA TWO MAINTENANCE SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUTY SITE
The anual maintenace at this site included mowing of the gass plug test site area to fo ur inches in height. The planting techique areas were not mowed. This site had a lage aount of invasive weeds, thistle and non-native grasses as a result of seed blown fom adj acent felds.
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This will be a large problem with unwated weed and gass seed spread to the test site by wind. No chemical sprayng was done at this site in year two.
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TALE S-1 NATIVE GRASS TEST PLOT EVALUATION SUMARY FOR YEAR TWO FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Placer Count 240 Cell container 72 Cell container Sp ecies #Planted #Alive % Survival #Planted #Alive % Survival Awosti pa/lens 525 458 87.2 218 183 Nassella pulchra 615 520 84.5 245 195 Melica caliorica 610 416 68.l 210 165
Ho rdeum brachyantherum 485 395 81.4 236 203 ssp. calioricum Poa secunda ssp. secunda 0 0 0 0 0 Koeleria macrantha 478 217 45.3 220 161 Achnatherum hymenoides 0 0 0 0 0 Elymus multisetus 610 471 77.2 242 203 Nassella cerua deawned 619 539 87.0 272 241 Elymus glaucus 'Elton' 547 468 85.5 265 221 Elymus elymoides 495 365 73.7 266 168 Festuca idahoensis 600 518 86.3 283 219 Planting Techniques Hydoseeded Areas 85 Drill Seeded Areas 86
TABLE S-2 YA TWO SUMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Grass Species Plugs Sod 1 Agrostis pa/lens G F 2 Na ssella pulchra G F 3 Me lica caliorica F p Ho rdeum brachyantherum ssp. 4 G F califoricum 5 Poa secunda ssp. secunda p p 6 Ko eleria macrantha p p 7 Achnatherum hymenoide p p 8 Elymus multisetus p p 9 Nassella cerua deawned G G 10 Elymus glaucus 'Elton' G F 11 Elmus elymoides G p 12 Festuca idahoensis G p E: Excellent G: Good F: Fair P: Poor
F:\SHA RED\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Placer Count\section 8. 0.doc 8-4 October 6, 2004 SECTION 9.0 YEAR THREE SUMMARY Na tive Grass Program Secton 9. 0
SECTION 9.0 YEA THRE SUMMAY
9.1 OVERVIEW OF THE YEA THRE SUMMAY
Year three was the fnal year of the test plot study. During this year, P&D again conducted to bi-anual site aalyses of each of the test plot areas, once during the rainy season and again in the s umer, to monitor and track the success of each of the grass species and the perfrace of the vaious planting techniques. The perfrace results of year three analysis are sumarized in this Section. Photogaphs of the test plots in yea three ae provided in Section 12.0.
I year three, P&D conducted no new test trials at ay of the test plot sites and only perfred bi-anual monitoring of the test sites. No anual maintenace was conducted at any of the test site locations. During yea three, most of the test sites showed severe decline in gass plugs bd sod survivability. This was tyically because of impact to the test sites by vehicle traffc ad by rodents daaging the plugs, and the plugs not being able to produce enough seed to reseed bd establish themselves. It was also observed that rodents ad deer prefrred some grasses over others and some grasses were never touched ad survived extremely well. f addition, roadside trafc heavily impacted several sites and severely damaged several grass test plots. The problem was that the low growing grasses and sof shoulders made the sites attractive roadside tuouts which were heavily used by truckers.
Sod test plots during year three also declined severely afer the second s umer. The second yea sod test plots that were developed with a fu-inch deep root strcture could not get teir root strctues to penetrate deep enough into the soil to protect themselves fom the hash climate ad steadily declined throughout the second sumer. Most of these sod test plots had rooted themselves into the soil, but their grass root structures only penetrated fur to six inches. However, there were some aeas of these test plots where the root structues penetrated deeer ad they survived much better. These root structues were obsered to gow six to twelve inches deep ad these sod areas look healthy. f addition, yea one gass sod test plots that were developed with only a one-inch root structure did the best. Only a fw of these gass sod species suived, but the ones that survived were virtually weed fee ad had rooted deep into the soil and were doing geat.
Also observed in year thee was the draatic diference in the gasses that had their soil treated with mycorrhizal inoculum. They were taller, gller ad had a higher survivability rate. This was observed at all the test site locations ad these aeas showed a sigifcat digerence fom year to year.
Other observations included the six-inch deep grass plugs that were developed ad installed during the second yea at the Fresno County site which had a much better survivability rate tha the frst year smaller grass plugs. Having a deeper root structure at initial installation gave these plugs the ability to root deeper into the soil, helped protect them fom the hash climate ad dramatically increased their surivability.
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The fllowing Sections discuss the perfrance of each of the test sites in year thee. The tables cited in this Section ae provided fllowing the last page of text.
9.2 YEA THRE SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Afer thee years, this site was perfring at a average level. The soil at this test site had not recompacted and was being heavily invaded by non-native weeds and gasses. The gass plugs test plots were also doing well, but were so heavily impacted with weeds and non-native gasses they were hard to fnd. The gass plugs could not produce enough seed to reseed themselves ad
establish · an expanding ground cover. Several of the native gass species were doing exceptionally well and several others were not. These test plots ae very usegl in deterining the survivability ad growing characteristics of each individual gass species and how each might be used in roadside restoration.
The large sod test plots conducted during year two had similar results as the Monterey and Sa Luis Obispo County sites. During the frst yea, they were surviving well. They made it throug the frst summer and tused geen during frst winter rains of the next yea. They also had minimal weed growth within the sod boundary. They had choked out almost all the weeds ad non-native gasses. Afer the second sumer in year two, however they seem to die back sigifcantly. Their root structures were attached to the soil, but the roots did not penetrate deeply into the soil as hoped. I is possible that the sod root structures were too well developed at the nursery ad became rootbound prior to installation at the test site. However, there were aeas in the larger sod plots where their root structures penetrated themselves six to twelve inches into the soil and the sod was perfring geat.
The planting techiques areas at this site also had mixed results. The drill seeded and hydroseeded aeas were doing much better at this site and were producing enough seed to slowly stat reseeding themselves. However, this was still not fst enough to out compete the weeds and non-native grasses. The seed rates recommended and used in these plating techiques appear to have been too low to produce sufcient gass necessay to ensure that the gass would be able to reseed itself and out compete invasive weeds ad non-native grasses. A overseeding program needs to be implemented during years two and thee to help improve survivability.
9.2.1 YEAR THRE TEST SUMMARY FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Tables 9-1 and 9-2, provided fllowing the last page of text in this Section, summarize the perfrance of the native grasses in year three at the Placer County site.
9.2.2 YEAR THREE MAINTENACE SUMMAR FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
No maintenance was conducted at this test site in yea thee, so as to see impact of invasive weeds and non-native gasses on the test plots.
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TALE 9-1 NATIVE GRASS TEST PLOT EVALUATION SUMMARY FOR YEAR THRE FOR THE PLACER COUNTY SITE
Placer County 240 cell container 72 cell cont ainer # Species #Planted #Alive % Survival #Planted Alive % Survival Agrostis palens 525 NA 200 NA Na ssella pulchra 615 NA 219 NA Me lica caliorica 610 NA 177 NA Ho rdeum brachyantherum ssp. calioricum 485 NA 207 NA Poa secunda ssp. secunda 0 NA 0 NA Ko eleria macrantha 478 NA 166 NA Achnatherum hymenoides 0 NA 0 NA Elymus multisetus 610 NA 215 NA Na ssella cerua deawned 619 NA 252 NA Elymus glaucus 'Elton' 547 NA 244 NA Elymus elymoides 495 NA 222 NA F estuca idahoensis 600 NA 255 NA Planting Technique #Planted #Alive % Survival Hydoseeded Area 85 Drill Seeded Area 88
TABLE 9-2 YEA THREE SUMMAY FOR TH PLACER COUNTY SITE
Grass Species Plugs Sod 1 Agrostis palens NA NA 2 Na ssella pulchra NA NA 3 Melica califorica NA NA 4 Ho rdeum brachyantherum ssp. calioricum NA NA 5 Poa secunda ssp. Secunda NA NA 6 Ko eleria macrantha NA NA 7 Achnatherum hymenoides NA NA 8 Elymus multisetus NA NA 9 Na ssella cerua deawed NA NA 10 Elymus glaucus 'Elton' NA NA 11 Elym us elymoides NA NA 12 Fes tuca idahoensis NA NA NA: not applicable.
Note: Year three, this site became heavily invaded with weeds and non-native grasses makig the inventory statically impossible and suvivability was determined by averaging areas.
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SECTION 10.0 FINDINGS
10.1 FINDINGS OF THE PROGRM
10.1.1 OVERVIEW
I conducting this native grass test lot Progra , an important fnding was determining and uderstading the hash environmentalp conditionsm of the tyical Caltrans roadside project and their limits and constraints in developing sustainable grassland communities along the state 's higways.
Non urban Caltrans roadsides were fund to have no irrigation, to have severely over compacted soils that were also low in nutrients, ad to be covered with invasive weeds and non-native gasses. The sites also are generally heavily impacted by vehicle trafc and very susceptible to fre fom a stray cigarette butt. These conditions are extreme and fnding a non-irrgated native grass mix that will out compete local weeds and non-native grass species is very difcult. I addition, although there has been a large amount of research regarding the use of native gasses, there has not been a lot of research and study regarding using native grasses fr a large mass installation and maintenance progas such as this potential application. A lot of the research that was gathered and reviewed contradicted each other and were disproved during this test Progam.
The major fndings fr this Program are sumarized in the fllowing Sections. These include both positive fndings of the Program a well as things to avoid in the fture in implementing native grass plantings along roads.
10. 1.2 SITE DESIGN
There are over 300 digerent native grasses in Califria and only about 20 are currently being used and studied in various native gass vegetation progams. A key fnding of this Progam was that, at every site, at least three or more native gass species were fund to be successfl, did not need extensive soil preparation and easily adapted to the existing site conditions. I addition, it was fund that over-prepping the soils and placing additional soil amendments in the soil profle only made it easier fr non-native grasses and weed to quickly germinate and spread in the test plots.
If was frther observed that soil compaction rates played a key roll in the development of this Progam. Areas that had soil compaction rates over 92% had minimum to moderate weed gowh, but could sustain most native gasses. When soil compaction was reduced to 85% to 90%, weeds and non-native grasses quickly invaded the sites.
I developing this test Program, it was observed that native grasses grow everyhere and m almost any site environment without any preparation. A key part of the Program was to determine which gass species work best in each climate zone. The testing fr this Progam included 28 digerent native grass species. This resulted in the identifcation of a number of
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gass species in each climate region under tyical Caltras roadside conditions which survived ad produced good gass cover. I addition, the Proga showed that drill seeding was the best installation technique, producing the fstest germination and highest survivability fr fat roadside proj ects, and hydroseeding was the best fr sloped and limited access areas. Imprinting had limited success, access problems and needed specifc site conditions to produce successfl gerination rates; therefre, it is not recomended fr this tye of program.
10.1.3 SITE PRPATION
Because a substantial part of the non-paved Caltrans rights-of-way curently consists of large amounts of weeds and non-native gasses, it was necessary to provide a appropriate weed gow kill perod prior to plant installation fr this Program. The Program fund that the tyical Caltrans contract methods and maintenace practices are acceptable to accomplish this goal.
It was observed during this study that the soils in the test areas were severely over compacted, with over 95 percent compaction. These highly compacted areas had fw existing weeds or non native grasses because the pressure on the plant root structures restrcts their water intake.
The fndings of this Progam deterined that the soils should be ripped using a skip loader and then roto-tilled to six to nine inches in depth. I addition, mycorhiza inoculum should be incororated in all soils, per the manufcture' s specifcations, prior to planting. This loosens the highly compacted soils and gives the plant materials some mycorrhiza bacteria to enhance plant root strcture ad jump start plant germination.
10.1.4 SEED DESIGN SPECIICATION
As pa of this Program, P&D used ad consulted with various seed companies to develop various desig concepts and installation techniques to evaluate and specify seed application rates fr seedings and sod test plots. A key fnding was that the recommended seed application rates specifed fom previous research were too low, resulting in poor plat establishent and, therefre, the native gasses did not produce suffcient seed to be able to out compete local weeds ad non-native gasses. I addition, the native grasses were not suffciently abundant to produce enough gass seed to reseed themselves ad establish a long term native gass roadside. It is recommended that seeding rates be substantially increased over traditional seed calculation application rates to enable quicker and denser gound cover to out compete local weeds and non native gasses. This would provide suffcient seed fr the native gasses to reseed themselves and produce a self sustaining native grass roadside. Also additional overseeding of thin areas fo r the next fw years may be necessary until the site ca produce enough seed to become self sustaining. Tyical overseeding program usually includes overseeding 10 percent of the total area each year fr to years.
It was also observed that the soils that were roto-tilled and had no soil amendments added at initial installation recompacted to their original compaction rates afer one year. Adjusting and maintaining soil compaction rates directly infuenced native grass growth and invasion of weeds into the sites.
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10.1.5 PLATIG TECHIQUS
Drill seeding was by far the most cost efective installation techique ad had the highest gerination rate of all the installation techiques evaluated. This technique is highly recommended fr all areas accessible by drill seeding equipment. Hydroseeding was also a good application technique and was cost efective and had a good gerination rate. Hydroseeding is recommended fr slope aeas ad aeas not accessible by drill seeding equipment. Iprinting was not practical fr this ty e of proj ect because of the equipment availability ad oversight needed to ensure proper procedures ad site conditions needed to successflly imprint seed using this techique. Therefre, this techique is not recommended fr narow roadside projects.
Drill seeding and hydroseeding were very efective ad should be considered in ordered to be successfl fr revegetation.
10.1.6 EROSION CONTROL
During this test Progam, a number of the native gass species were tested ad observed to provide a viable goudcover fr erosion control. It was also obsered ad determined that using a mixture of blended native grass species provides better gound cover fr erosion control. Mixing gass species with diferent height ad density chaacteristics provides a more natural looking gound cover which flls in fster an d, therefre, produces an efective erosion control groundcover.
10.1.7 FI CONTROL
During this Proga, several diferent species of native gasses were tested ad obsered fo r potential fre control fr tyical roadside projects. Native gasses provide a excellent goundcover ad several ae slow gowing ad short in stature. Bunch grasses did the best fo r staying green longer tha other grasses. However, fr this Progam, only 28 diferent native gass species, of the total 300 species that grow in Califria, were tested. Additional reseach should be conducted to test ad evaluate native grass species fr growing chaacteristics and to see if, with additional minimal supplemental sumer watering, they could stay green trougout the sumer ad, therefre, be used fr fre control.
10.1.8 WEED CONTROL
Typical Caltras stadads fr preconstruction grow-kill were reviewed and acceptable fr this tye of project. However, fllow-up maintenance needs to be desiged especially fr native grass projects, as discussed later in the maintenace recommendations.
10.l.9 SOD ISTALLATION
During this Program, various types of native grasses gown in sod frm were developed and tested. Each of the various grasses tested were also grown in a monoculture sod frm installed in 18" x 18" test plots. In addition, in year to, additional blended native gass mixes were developed into sod mats approximately lO'x 50' in size. During year one, 60 percent of the sod
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vareties surived, with the sutival decreasing to 30 percent the second yea. Most gasses had a problem developing proper root growth depth and, as a result, were susceptible to harsh climate conditions. The successgl species were hearier and developed deeper root stsctures that protected them fom the harsh climate conditions and were more successgl. These successgl sod plots also generated seed and kept out invasive weeds and non-native gasses.
The use of native grass to produce sod fr can be successgl. Additional reseach needs to be 1 conducted and tested to deterine appropriate seed rates, native species that can adapt into sod and the development of the sod root stscture so it can quickly attach itself into the soil and penetrate deep into the soil.
10.1.10 ANAL MAINTENANCE
It is anticipated that a successfl native gass roadside proj ect will take fur to fve years to become completely established, befre routine maintenance can be implemented, starting m approximately the ffh year.
A important part of the anual maintenance is the timely and proper removal of weeds and non native species. Newly planted native gasses will not grow quick enough and reseed themselves fst enough to establish themselves ad out compete invasive weeds and non-native gasses. Therefre, weeding to control non-natives and overseeding with additional native grass seed is recommended i the frst fw years of maintenance to ensure that the native grass proj ect will eventually be self sustaining.
The fllowing is a tyical recommended fur-year maintenance progam fr a tyical proj ect based on the experience ad research fom this current Program.
Year One Maintenance Progam. I year one, the fllowing maintenance activities should be conducted:
• Anually remove all tumble weeds and thistle prior to these plats going to seed.
• Properly apply pre-emergent fr weeds and non-native species control.
Years Two and Thee Maintenance Progam. I years two and three, the fllowing maintenance activities should be conducted:
• Identify and evaluate successgl and unsuccessfl native grasses.
• Adjust the overseeding mix to incororate additional native gass species if necessary.
• Prior to the frst heavy seasonal rains, overseed the native grass mix in the entire project area, use 25 percent of the orginal amount of seed needed fr the site to cover 100 percent of the area.
• Anually remove all tumble weeds and thistle prior to them going to seed.
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Year Four Maintenance Progam. I year fur, the fllowing maintenace activities should be conducted:
• Prior to the frst heavy seasonal rains, reseed all thin and bare areas, as necessary.
• Properly apply pre-emergent to all areas a1d remove all tumble weeds and thistle befre they I . go to seed.
10.2 FUTURE CONSIDERTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is importat to understand that this study fund that the available research and development of native grasses fr self sustaining proj ects is fr behind perceived expectations. The concept of using native grasses as a sustainable roadside comunity is workable, but needs extensive research and development in testing many more native grasses in tyical roadside conditions. Research and testing in controlled circumstances or in test areas not like roadside areas are not comparable ad will produce incorect infrmation as was fund during this test evaluation. The fllowing are recommendations fr continued research and testing necessary to develop this into a successgl proga:
• Research and test the direct relationship of soil compaction rates compared to weed gowh and development of native grasses.
• Research pre-emergent and herbicide sprays that can be utilized fr weed control that do not adversely agect native gasses.
• Reseach and test all native gasses available fr gowing characteristics, gerination rates, seeding rates, survivability and ability to be gown in diferent mediums, such as plugs and sod.
• Research all available grasses fr potential fre control. The research should include no supplemental water, summer supplemental water and peraently irigated areas.
• Research and test the efectiveness of water polyers in increasing soil moisture in the development of plant material.
• Research and test to deterine appropriate seed rates fr drill seeding, hydroseeding and sod applications per individual grass species.
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SECTION 11.0 RFERENCES
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Bainbridge, David A. and Virginia, Ross A., "Restoration in the Sonoran Deser of Califra" in Restoration & Management Notes 8: 1.
Bainbridge, David, "Soil shaping to improve native grass establishment" in Grasslands (Fall 2000).
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Brown, Cynthia S. and Rce, Kevin J., "The Mark of Zorro: Ef ects of the Exotic Anual Gras s Vulpia myuros on Califra Native Perenial Grasses in Restoration Ecology Vol. 8 No, 1 (March 2000).
Brown, Cynthia S., Rce, Kevin J. ad Claassen, Victor, "The efects of soil amendments and mulches on establishment of Califria native perenial grasses: a summar of selected results" in Grasslads (Winter 2000).
Brucker, Maury ad Yang, Emiko, "Private Prairie and Woodland Restoration: Updating A Older Subdivision in Illinois in Lad and Water (July/ August 1999).
Bugg, Rober L. and Brown, Cynthia S., "Establishing Native Forbs within Existing Stands of Native Perennial Grasses fom Trasplants and Seed on Rural Roadsides in the Sacraento Valley of Califria in Sustainable Agiculture (ht:/lv'W.sarep.ucdavis.edu) (Fall 1998).
Bugg, Robert L., Brown, Cynthia S. and Anderson, Joi H., "Restoring Native Perenal Grasses to Rural Roadsides in the Sacramento Valley of Califria: Establishent and Evaluation in Sustainable Agriculture (http://v'W.sarep.ucdavis.edu) (Winter/Spring 1998).
Bugg, Robert L., Brown, Cynthia S. and Anderson, John H., "Restorng Native Perenial Grasses to Rural Roadsides in the sacramento Valley of Califria: Establishent and Evaluation" in Restoration Ecology Vol. 5 No.3 (September 1997).
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Carlsen, Tina M., Menke, Joh W. and Pavlik, Bruce M., "Reducing Competitive Suppression of a Rare Annual Forb by Restoring Native Califria Perennial Grasslands" in Restoration Ecology Vol. 8 No. l (March 2000).
Costello, Michael, "Native Grass Species fr use as Perennial Cover Crops in San Joaquin Valley Vineyards" (http://danrOlO.ucdavis.eduGrants/Reports/Costello/costello97-07 .htm) (December 20, 2000).
Dickens, Dr. Ray, "New Grasses & Herbicides fr Roadsides m Land bd Water (Janu/February 2000).
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Eliason, Scott A. ad Allen, Edith B., "Exotic Grass Competition in Suppressing Native Shrbland Re-establishment" in Restoration Ecology Vol. 5 No. 3 (September 1997).
"Establishing Permanent Grassland Habitat with Califra Native Perennial Grasses" in Valley Habitats.
Faessler, Fred ad Apflbaum, Steve, "Large-Scale Havesting of Prairie Seed" in Restoration & Management Notes 6:2 (Winter 1988).
Gilpin, David, "Introduction to Using Califria Native Grasses."
Gillham, Felicia, "Mycorrhizal Fungi Use fr Trees Both Young and Old" in Land and Water (September/October 1999).
Hamilton, Jason G., Holzapfl, Claus and Maall, Bruce E., "Coexistence and interfrence beteen a native perennial gass and non-native anual grasses in Califria" (ovember 12, 1998).
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"Habitat restoration using te native gass Elymus glaucus (blue wildye)" in Califra Native Gass Association.
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Haer-Lore, Bonnie, "A Vegetation Manager's Vacation" m Lad and Water I · I (September/October 1999).
Haper-Lore, Bonie, "Do Native Grasslands Have a Place on Roadsides?" in Land and Water (July/ August 1998).
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Henderson, Kirk, "Prairie Platings on Roadsides" in Land and Water (March/April 1998).
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Hodges, Jef, "Beating Weeds in Native Grass Plantings" in Land and Water (MachApril 2000).
· Hodges, Jef, "The Benefts of Prescribed Bung" in Land ad Water (January/February19 99).
Hollad, Steve, "Interstate 35 Prairie Revegetation" in Land ad Water (MarchApril 1999).
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Jackson, Laura L., McAulife, Joseph R. and Roundy, Brce A., "Deser Restoration: Revegetation Trials on Abandoned Farmlad in the Sonoran Desert Lowlands" in Restoration & Maagement Notes 9:2.
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"Solution fr Tough Seeding: Ideal fr interseeding waterways, flter strips, ad CR acres" - in Lad and Water (September/October 1999).
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Grasslads in the San Joaquin Valley, Califria" (December 1981 . )
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F:\SHARD\HarrWew Na tive Grass \Section 11. 0.doc 11-5 October 6, 2004 SECTION 12.0 PHOTOGRPHS G P Section l2 0 Native ss 9_ "g'a_m______.
SECTION 12.0 PHOTOGRPHS
Native Grass Sample Photos
T following are sample photos of the various test plots, nurseries, sod, grass plugs, and planting a seeding techniques used duringthe program. I
Sample Photos
Speedling Nurser:
Speedling is one of thenurseries t assisted in the research and development of native grass plugs and sod. Ts company produced outstanding quality native grass plugs and sod.
GreenHart Nurser:
GreenHeart assisted in growing native grass plugs fr thisprogram.
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Hydroseeding Technique:
One of the various seeding techniques tested duringthis program.
Dril Seeding:
Oe of the varous seeding techniques tested during this program.
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Imrinting Seeding:
One of the various seeding techniques tested during this program.
Natve Grass Plugs
Numerous native grass plugswere developed and tested for this program. Grass plugs were developed ad installed foreach of the individual native grass species tested at every site.
242 Cel Grass Plug
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72 Cell Grass Plug
Natie Grass Sod
Native grass sod was developed a tested at each of the test site locations. Eah of the individual grass species at each site ha monoculture sod mats developed a installed. Also during year two additional sod mats were developed using a blended mixture of native grasses to develop more naturbl denser mat a that could out compete weeds.
Year One Sod Tests
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Year Two Sod Tests
Mycorrhia Soil Inoculum
Mycorrhiza inoculum was a soil additive that was added t portions of each test site. This soil addditive produced drastic results increasing root structure approximately 40% and improved plant growth a survivability.
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Monterey Site
Monterey site the most successful site. ass plugs, ll eeding, oseedin did l ll and soil compaction rates optimal suppressed weed growth.
te
Placer site good success for grass plugs, hydroseeding, and drill seeding, but had problems with invasive weeds fromadjacent site. Grass plugs could not out-compete invasive non-native grasses.
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San Luis Obispo Site
San Luis Obispo site hadgood success for s plugs, sod, hydroseeding and imprinting but had problems invasive weeds adjacent site. Grass plugs could not out-compete invasive non-native ses.
Fr Site
Fresno site had harsh soil and climate conditions that drastically impacted the survivability o f the grass plugs, sod, drill seeding and hydroseeding.
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Rverside Count Site
Riverside site had harsh soil d climate conditions thatdrastically impacted e survivability of thegras s plugs, sod, drillseeding and hydroseeding.
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SECTION 13.0 LIST OF PREPARRS
13.1 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Jack Broadbent, Landscape Architect, Caltrans
13.2 P&D CONSULTATS, 1NC.
Har Clarke, Landscape Architect Michael Ben er, Principal-in-Charge Christine Huard-Spencer, Quality Control Shelly Feeney, Sr. Biologist Guy Whitney, Horticulture Daryl Fisher, Word Processing
13.3 SUB-CONSULTATS
Acacia Landscapes, Dominque Colbert...... ( 808) 643-0687 Soil Plant Laboratories, Jack Damonte...... ; ...... ( 714) 282-8777 Plant Success, Kelly Green...... ( 714) 990-81 72 Redwood S Company, Craig Dremann ...... ( 650) 325-7333 Speedling Nursery, Graiam Wg ...... (800) 557-8500 GreenHeart Nursery, Paul Hertel...... ( 805) 680-5918 S&S Seed Company, Victor Schaff...... ( 805) 684-0436 Ted St. John ...... Northree T & Fire Company, Kevin Fisher ...... ( 916) 783-2800 ConservaSeed Seed Company,Sc ott Stewert...... ( 916) 776-1 200
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