Conservation Cover (Non-CRP)Conservation Practice Job Sheet (Code 327)VERMONT - Natural Resources Conservation Service January 2003For: Farm #: Field(s): Tract #: Designed By: Approved By: Signature:Date: Date: Definition Establishing and maintaining perennial vegetative cover to protect soil and water resources on land retired from agricultural production.Purpose (Check all Planned Purposes)Reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.Enhance wildlife habitat.Improve water qualityWhere Used This practice applies on land to be retired from agricultural production requiring permanent protective cover, and on other lands needing permanent protective cover. This practice does not apply to plantings for forage production or to critical area plantings.Sketch or Map of Area Planned for Conservation CoverConservation Cover (Non-CRP)Conservation Practice Job Sheet (Code 327)Establishment Planning the establishment requires a determination of the fields capabilities and limitations, how the seeding will be made, when the seeding will be made, what species will be seeded, and the purpose of the cover. Consider the fields past history when planning the seeding/cover (prior crops, herbicide treatments, etc.). A temporary cover may be needed if herbicide carryover is a concern. Follow the enclosed site-specific requirements on the enclosed “Specifications Sheet”.Accurate seeding rates are critical to a good seeding establishment. The following procedure can be used to calibrate your drill:Drill Calibration - Bulk Weight of Seed Method. a)Jack up the drive wheel end of the drill and measure the circumference (C) of the drive wheel in feet. Make a mark on the side of the tire as a reference point.b)Measure or record the spacing in “inches” between the drill row/openers.c)Use the following chart to determine the number of “Revolutions (R)” to turn the drive wheel based on the row/opener spacing and the number of openers to collect seed.Row Spacing No. Of Openers Drive Wheel Revolutions (R) (Inches) To Collect 6 4 96/C = R7 4 82/C = R8 3 96/C = R10 3 77/C = R12 2 96/C = Rd) Put enough seed in the seed box to cover the number of openers required (2, 3, or 4) and turn the drive wheel until the seed is feeding uniformly. Put a tarp or container under each opener to catch the seed.e) Collect the seed from the appropriate number of openers by placing a container under each spout and turn the drive wheel the number of revolutions “R” already determined.f) Combine the collected seed and weigh it in grams. Multiply the weight in grams by 0.5 to determine the pounds per acre being delivered at that drill setting.g) Adjust the drill setting and repeat the measurements until the desired seeding rate is obtained. Insure the bulk rate delivers the desired pounds of “Pure Live Seed” (PLS). To determine the desired bulk rate use the following procedure: (1) Determine the Bulk Rate Conversion Factor (CF): (CF) = 100/PLS% (2) Multiply CF X PLS Pounds/Acre = Bulk Pounds/AcreExample: The drill has a 7 inch row spacing and a drive wheel (C) = 6.8 feet. The desired seeding rate is 15.1 pounds per acre. From the table we determine 4 spouts are required and the number of “R” = 82/6.8 = 12. The seed collected from 4 spouts with 12 revolutions was 30 grams. 30 grams X 0.5 = 15 pounds of seed per acre.Conservation Cover (Non-CRP)Conservation Practice Job Sheet (Code 327)For Warm Season Grass Establishment: Overview: Seeding warm season grasses (Switchgrass, Bluestems, Indiangrass, Eastern Gamagrass, Sideoats Grama, (2) have the seed “debearded” (awns removed); or (3) broadcast the seed/fertilizer mix with an “air flow” fertilizer spreader.Management the Seeding Year. The goal the seeding year is to reduce the shade pressure that weeds can exert on the warm season grass seedlings. Using a sickle bar mower or a rotary type mower clip the vegetation no shorter than 6 inches. Stand Evaluation. The Initial Evaluation should be made 6-8 weeks after planting. Check and record seedling density (plants per square foot) and distribution in several areas of the field. This is also a time to check weed pressures. The Second Evaluation should be made in late summer of the seeding year to evaluate stand adequacy based on density of established plants. An average of at least 2-4 strong seedlings per square foot should be the minimum acceptable stand.The Final Evaluation should be made during the early summer of the second year. If an average of 2 healthy plants are found per square foot, a successful stand and cover should be accomplished.Conservation Cover (Non-CRP)Conservation Practi