u. s. department of agriculture technical notes

U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Service

TECHNICAL NOTES STATE OFFICE STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA 74074

ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES TECHNICAL REFERENCES FOR IN-SERVICE USE ONLY

BIOLOGY OK-29 January 5, 2000 RE: List Of Forbs, Legumes, Trees And Shrubs Best Suited For Wildlife Under The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Sign-up 20, And Other Guidance. This technical note is to be used for guidance for CRP sign-up 20. Much of the information is similar to previous sign-ups, but additional information and clarifications have been provided. This document should be studied carefully as some of the changes may affect offers. The major changes are in CRP practices: CP4B, CP4D, CP10, and CP12. The attached list of forbs, legumes, trees and shrubs have been determined to be best suited for wildlife on CRP lands in Oklahoma. Approval of any plants not included on this list will be made on a case-by-case basis. Submit requests to consider alternative species to the Assistant State Conservationist (Ecological Sciences). This technical note is to be used with other appropriate field office technical guide standards and specifications for new plantings and cover enhancements. Cover enhancements must be drilled or otherwise planted in a manner that will place the seed in mineral contact with the soil. All plantings must be planned using the 100% full rate as the basis, and meet the standard and specifications for Range Planting (550), Pasture Planting (512), Hedgerow Planting (422), Tree Planting (612), Wetland Restoration (657), or others as needed. All calculations for seed mixes will be based on multiplying the full seeding rate by the percentage desired in the mixture. /s/ Mark Moseley acting for LARRY W. CALDWELL Acting State Conservationist

Attachment

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29

COVER SUBFACTOR GUIDELINES FOR

CRP Sign-up 20

CP1 - Permanent Introduced Grasses and Legumes N1a Approved Cover Mixes for CPI Establishing Permanent Introduced Grasses and Legumes. Consult Tables 1, 2 & 3 below for species selection and planting rates. Refer to Pasture and Hay standard and specifications (512) for adapted grass species, planting rates, and establishment criteria. When mixtures are used, each grasses should be at least 10% of the composition. Refer to Example 3 & 4 for "how to information" seed mixture calculations. 1/ 2/

CP1 Establishing permanent introduced grasses and legumes. Each base grass shall compose at least 10% of a mixture. Refer to Pasture and Hay Planting Standard (512)

Assigned Point Score

Planting of one or two introduced grass species 10 A mixture of at least 3 species, comprising at least one introduced grass planted at a minimum of 60% of full seeding rate, with an adapted forb and/or legume from Table 1. The forb and/or legume component must be a minimum of 30% of the total mixture. Up to 5% of the forbs and/or legumes can be annuals or biennials, the rest perennial. (Native forb and/or legumes can also be used in this category. The planting rates for natives shall be prorated from their full planting rate from Table 2 & 3 with no more than 5% annuals depending upon their percentage in the mix.)

30

Mixture of at least 4 species. The mixture, excluding old world bluestems, must be at least 60% two cool season grasses which includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass where adapted. The mixture must also contain at least30 % of a forb and/or legume from Table 1. Up to 5% of the forbs and/or legumes can be annuals or biennial best suited for wildlife. (Native forbs and/or legumes can also be used in this category. The planting rates for natives shall be prorated from their full planting rate, depending upon their percentage in the mix, from Table 2 & 3 with no more than 5% annuals.)

40

For stand enhancement that includes overseeding of forbs and/or legumes into base grass according to Job Sheet, use 60% of the full seeding rates for the selected plants. Up to 10% of these forbs and/or legumes can be annuals or biennials.

30

Additional annual, biennial, or perennial legumes above the specification can be added to the mix at the landowner's option.

Table 1. Legumes for CP1 Best Suited for Wildlife SPECIES LIFE

SPAN 3/

FULL SEEDING RATE PLS LBS./AC

INOCULUM TYPE

4/

AREA OF ADAPTATION

alfalfa (can be the grazing varieties of alfalfa's)

P 10 A Statewide

birdsfoot trefoil P 4 K Fertile well drained soils, 26' rainfall or greater, can tolerate moderate salinity. Not persistent with warm season grasses.

'Cicer' milkvetch P 12 Astragalus Greater than 18" precipitation, tolerates slight acidity to moderate alkalinity.

red clover B 10 B NE, SE - heavy soils med-high fertility and fertile sandy loams high in available phosphorus.

sainfoin P 20 F Neutral to calcareous soils white clover P 10 B SE, NE, first and second banks, clay and loamy

soils and on more productive upland soils.

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 Technical Note Biology OK-29

January 5, 2000

SPECIES LIFE SPAN

3/

FULL SEEDING RATE PLS LBS./AC

INOCULUM TYPE

4/

AREA OF ADAPTATION

arrowleaf clover A 7 0 NE, SE, well drained soil, Austrian Winter Pea

A 40 C Western part of state, intolerant of low pH soils.

cowpeas A 40 EL Statewide crimson clover A 9 R NE, SE - well drained soils except high calcareous. hairy vetch A 20 C Statewide - well drained soils. Korean lespedeza

A 12 EL NE, SE

common lespedeza

A 12 EL SE - acid soils.

rose clover A 6 WR 18 - 25 inch rainfall, not on wet or poorly-drained soils.

sweetclover A &B 5 A Central, SW, NW - well drained soils. 1/ Legumes can be planted at the same time the base grass is planted. 2/ Use current soils test to determine if there are proper levels of phosphorus and potassium. Lime to raise pH to at least 6.0. 3/ A = Annual B = Biennial P = Perennial 4/ These inoculum types are specific to each species.

CP2 - Establishment of Permanent Native Grasses N1a Approved Cover Mixes for CP2, Permanent Native Grasses, Forbs, Lequmes and/or Shrubs. Refer to Example 3, seed mixture calculations. All plantings under CP2 will be natives done according to the Range Planting (550) standard and specification or natives that are planted under the Pasture and Hay (512) standard and specification. Refer to these standards for adapted species, seeding rates and establishment criteria.

CP2 ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMANENT NATIVE GRASSES. (All Native plants) Select adapted native plants from the Range Seeding (550) or Pasture and Hay Planting Standards (512).

ASSIGNED POINT SCORE

Solid stand of one, two or three native grass species. 20 A mixture of at least four native species, containing at least 80% of two grasses and at least 10% of one forb, shrub and/or legume.

40

A mixture of five or more native species containing at least 80% of 3 grasses, and at least 10% of one shrub, forbs and/or legume listed in Table 2 & 3. No more than 2 percent can be annuals.

50

For stand enhancements of native stands according to Job Sheet JS-550-02 use 20% of the full seeding rate for the selected forbs, shrubs and/or legumes. No more than 4 percent can be annuals. A stand resulting in a total of 4 native species will receive 40 points. A stand resulting in a total of 5 or more native species will receive 50 points

40 or 50


TABLE 2. NATIVE LEGUMES - Best Suited for Wildlife (includes proper innoculant) SPECIES LIFE SPAN FULL

SEEDING RATE (PLS

LB./AC)

INNOCULUM TYPE (SPECIES SPECIFIC)

AREA OF ADAPTATION

leadplant perennial 2.0 Amorpha Spec 1 statewide tephrosia perennial 4.0 Tephrosia Spec 1 statewide prairie clover perennial 4.0 F statewide Illinois bundleflower perennial 4.0 Desmanthus Spec 1 statewide roundhead lespedeza perennial 2.0 EL eastern, western tickclover perennial 2.0 EL statewide trailing wildbean perennial 2.0 Strophostyles Spec 1 statewide western indigo perennial 2.0 EL statewide catclaw sensitivebriar perennial 2.0 Amorpha Spec 1 statewide prairie acacia perennial 2.0 EL statewide partridge pea annual 4.0 EL statewideleast snoutbean perennial 2.0 Rynchosia Spec 1 statewide other legumes perennial 2.0 Use appropriate statewide

TABLE 3. NATIVE FORBS/SHRUBS Best Suited for Wildlife SPECIES LIFE SPAN FULL

SEEDING RATE (PLS LBS./AC)

AREA OF ADAPTATION

Englemann daisy perennial 4.0 statewide Pitcher's sage perennial 4.0 eastern, western Maximillian sunflower perennial 2.0 statewide awnless bushsunflower perennial 4.0 statewide compass plant perennial 2.0 eastern, western gayfeather perennial 4.0 statewide black sampson perennial 2.0 statewide pale echinacea perennial 2.0 eastern upright prairie coneflower perennial 0.3 (2% max) statewide plains coreopsis annual 0.3 (2% max) statewide four-wing saltbush perennial 4.0 de-winged

10.0 winged West of 1-35 except for sands or wet sites. In MLRA 77A, 77B, < WEG 86

CP-3 TREE PLANTING (PINE) Refer to State standard and specifications for Range Planting (550), and the list of forbs and legumes described in this biology technical note under CP2 for native herbaceous plantings best suited for wildlife in pine plantings. A 50 point cover of native grasses and/or shrubs may be planted within the 15 - 20 percent openings using CP2, Shrub plantings best suited for wildlife in pine plantings should be selected from Table 4 and planted in accordance with state standard and specifications for Hedgrow Planting (422) or Tree Planting (612).

TABLE 4. SHRUB SPECIES IN PINE PLANTINGS.

SHRUB SPECIES (native and introduced) American plum Chickasaw (sand) plum skunkbush sumac chokecherry bush honeysuckle bush lespedeza (bicolor) leadplant indigobush four-wing saltbush hawthorn


CP3a - HARDWOOD TREE PLANTING (Native)

Table 5 includes a list of hardwood trees for both hard and soft mast producing species. Hardwood trees not included on this list will be treated as non-mast producing species and/or not among the best suited species for wildlife.

TABLE 5. NATIVE HARDWOOD TREES HARD MAST SPECIES bur oak pin oak willow oak water oak Shumard oak overcup oak pecan northern red oak southern red oak white oak black walnut live oakSOFT MAST SPECIES hackberry mulberry green ash redbud sugar maple persimmon chittamwood cherry Bois D' Arc sugarberry mulberry red maple black locust

CP4B - PERMANENT WILDLIFE HABITAT (CORRIDORS) NON-EASEMENT N 1 a Approved Cover Mixtures For CP4B, Permanent Grasses, Forbs, Legumes, Trees and/or Shrubs.

General - These corridors are intended to provide connecting links, or travel lanes between habitat types. Corridors may be from one to three chains (66-198 ft) in width. 30 - 60 percent of the acreage shall be planted to woody species unless the identified wildlife species does not require woody species or woody species are not adapted. The remainder of the corridor acreage must be planted to herbaceous plants. The herbaceous mixture must include the appropriate number of forbs and/or legumes composing at least 30% of their full seeding rate selected from Tables 1, 2, & 3, except that up to 5% of the forbs and/or legumes can be annuals or biennials best suited for wildlife. Refer to the standard and specifications for Range Planting (550) to determine the minimum and maximum percentages of each native grass species to be included in the mixture and for information on zone of adaptability. Switchgrass may be increased to the full allowable percentage for wildlife purposes. If four-winged saltbush is selected, plant a 100% seeding rate on the shrub acreage. Refer to the standard and specifications for Pasture and Hay Planting (512) and Table 1, 2, & 3 for information on forbs and legumes. Pro-rate the planting to the percent desired in the mixture. Required tree and shrub plantings will be selected from Tables 3, 6, & 7, and planted in accordance with state standard and specifications for Hedgerow Planting (422) or Tree Planting (612) and this technical note.

Distribution of Shrub Plantings - Each offer will have at least 5 individual planting locations or long connecting strips. Planting root sprouting species in a "plus" pattern will facilitate fill-in of the mott.

Strip plantings should be placed as evenly across the corridor as is practical considering factors such as prevailing winds, slope, contour, and soils to optimize erosion and wildlife benefits.

Other - Biologists of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation should be consulted when developing plans for this CRP practice. Foresters with the Oklahoma Forestry Services Division should be consulted when developing trees and shrub planting plans.

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29 CP4B Establishment of Permanent Wildlife Habitat (corridors). Old World Bluestems are not eligible for CP4 practices.


Mixture of at least 4 species with either of the following. Woody species must be planted on 30 - 60% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 introduced grasses and at least 1 tree, shrub, forb, or legume species. The grass,

forb or legume mixture must be at least 60% of two cool season grasses (which includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass )

where adapted. The herbaceous mixture must also contain at least 30% of a forb and/or legume.

• at least 2 shrub or tree species and at least 1 introduced cool season grass (which includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass

where adapted), forb or legume species.

40

Mixture of at least 5 species with either of the following. Woody species must be planted on 30 - 60% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 native grasses and at least 2 tree, shrub, forb, or legume species. • at least 2 shrub or tree species and at least 2 native grasses, forb or legume species.

50

TABLE 6. WOODY SPECIES BEST SUITED FOR WILDLIFE (Introduced and native) SHRUB SPECIES American plum Chickasaw (sand) plum skunkbush sumac chokecherry bush honeysuckle bush lespedeza (bicolor) leadplant indigobush four-wing saltbush hawthorn autumn olive Japanese honeysuckle deciduous holly HARD MAST SPECIES bur oak pin oakwillow oak water oak Shumard oak overcup oak sawtooth oak northern red oaksouthern red oak white oak black walnut pecan liveoak hickory SOFT MAST SPECIES hackberry mulberrygreen ash lacebark elm sugar maple persimmon chittamwood black cherry Bois D' Arc redbud sugarberry red mapleblack locust

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29 EXAMPLE 1

• TREE AND SHRUB PLANTINGS 30 percent of area within corridors planted to tree and shrub species in rows containing hackberry (12 feet spacing), Chickasaw plum (4 feet spacing), and bicolor lespedeza (4 feet spacing), if adapted and needed for the identified species. • GRASS, FORB, AND LEGUME PLANTINGS 70 percent of the area within corridors seeded with a mixture that contains the following species:

Species Percent of Mix Pounds per Acrelittle bluestem 15 .51 big bluestem 15 .90Indiangrass 10 .45 switchgrass 30 .90 tall dropseed 10 .10Illinois bundleflower 5 .40 partridge pea 5 .40 Maximillian sunflower 10 .20Total 100 3.86

HABITAT FOR BOBWHITE QUAIL (WESTERN OKLAHOMA - SANDY SAVANNAS)

CP4D - PERMANENT WILDLIFE HABITAT NON-EASEMENT A. Whole F ie ld P lant ings General - Tree and/or shrub plantings will be included on 10 - 30% of the acreage where needed to meet the specific needs of targeted wildlife species and where adapted to the site. The remainder of the corridor acreage must be planted to herbaceous plants. The herbaceous mixture must include the appropriate number of forbs and/or legumes composing at least 30% of their full seeding rate selected from Tables 1, 2, & 3, except that up to 5% of the forbs and/or legumes can be annuals or biennial. Pro-rate the planting to the percent desired in the mixture. Refer to the standard and specifications for Range Planting (550) to determine the minimum and maximum percentages of each native species to be included in the mixture and for information on zones of adaptability. Switchgrass may be increased to the full allowable percentage for wildlife purposes. If four-winged saltbush is selected, plant 100% seeding rate on the shrub acreage. Refer to Table 1 and the standard and specifications for Pasture and Hay Planting (512) for information on introduced legumes. Required tree and shrub plantings will be selected from Tables 3, 6, & 7 and planted in accordance with state standard and specifications for Hedgerow Planting (422) or Tree Planting (612).

Distribution of Shrub Plantings - Each offer will have at least 5 individual planting locations. Planting root sprouting species in a "plus" pattern will facilitate fill-in of the mott.

Strip plantings should be placed as evenly across the offer as is practical considering factors such as prevailing winds, slope, contour, and soils to optimize erosion and wildlife benefits. Block plantings should be distributed throughout the field to provide optimum interspersion and benefits to targeted wildlife species.

Other - Where appropriate, prescribed burning will be utilized for wildlife benefits. Other opportunities to improve wildlife habitat will also be considered and included where appropriate in the CPO. Examples include water development, strip disking, mowing (except during nesting season) and food plots. Biologists of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife should be consulted when developing plans for this CRP practice. Foresters with the Oklahoma Forestry Services Division should be consulted when developing trees and shrub planting plans.

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29 CP4D Establishment of Permanent Wildlife Habitat (Whole Field Planting) Old World Bluestems are not eligible for CP4 practices.


Mixture of at least 4 species with either of the following. Woody species must be planted on 10-30% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 introduced grasses and at least 1 tree, shrub, forb, or legume species. The grass,

forb or legume mixture must be at least 60% of two cool season grasses which includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass

where adapted. The herbaceous mixture must also contain at least 30% of a forb and/or legume.

• at least 2 shrub and/or tree species and at least 1 introduced cool season grass (which includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass where adapted), forb or legume species.

40

Mixture of at least 5 species with either of the following. Woody species must be planted on 10 -30% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 native grasses and at least 2 tree, shrub, forb, and/or legume species. • at least 2 shrub and/or tree species and at least 2 native grasses, forb or legume species.

50

EXAMPLE 2 HABITAT FOR WILD TURKEY AND DEER (EASTERN OKLAHOMA HEAVY BOTTOMLAND)

• TREE AND SHRUB PLANTINGS Thirty percent of area will be planted to a mixture of trees including equal amounts (15 percent) of pin oak, Shumard oak, pecan, and hackberry at a rate of 302 trees per acre (12 feet by 12 feet spacing).

Ten percent of the remaining open area will be planted in scattered one acre clumps with equal amounts of American plum, bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, and sumac at a rate of 1210 shrubs per acre (6 feet by 6 feet spacing).

• GRASS, FORB, AND LEGUME PLANTINGS The remaining 60 percent of the area will be seeded with a mixture that contains the following species:

Species Percent of Mix Pounds per Acrelittle bluestem 10 .34big bluestem 20 1.20 Indiangrass 10 .45switchgrass 30 .90 alfalfa 5 .20 white clover 5 .20Illinois bundleflower 15 .60 compass plant 5 .10

Total 100 3.99

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 2 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29 (Rev. 1)

B. Shrub Plantings on 5% of the Offered Acreage.

In order to receive 25 points under ranking sub factor, N4B, Enduring Benefits, at least 5 percent of the offered acreage must be established to shrubs in accordance with the following planting requirements. (Four-winged salt bush planted at 5% of the mixture does not count.) The following guidance is provided relative to shrub plantings on specific CP practices:

• For CP2 - Shrubs are a part of practice CP2. A minimum of five percent of the offered acreage must be planted to shrubs according to the guidance found in Table 3 and Table 7. The spacing, distribution requirements, etc., are listed in Technical Note Biology OK-29, dated January 5, 2000, part B. Shrub Plantings on 5% of the Offered Acreage, Page 7 - 9.

• For CP4D - Shrubs are a part of practice CP4D, follow the guidelines for practice CP4D . listed in Technical Note Biology OK-29, dated January 5, 2000

• For CP1 - Shrubs are not a component of CP1 and therefore must be planted under practice CP4D as described below. Shrub plantings must meet the criteria for a 40 or 50 point category for CP4D.

CP4D Establishment of Permanent Wildlife Habitat (5% Shrub Plantings in combination with practice CP1, Permanent Vegetation, Introduced Grasses and Legumes.) Old World Bluestems are not eligible for CP4 practices.


Mixture of at least 4 species with either of the following. Woody species must be planted on 10 - 90% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 introduced grasses and at least 1 tree, shrub, forb, and/or legume species best

suited for various wildlife species in the area; or • at least 2 shrub and/or tree species and at least 1 introduced, adapted cool season grass,

forb, and/or legume species best suited for various wildlife species in the area.

Includes grasses such as orchardgrass, tall wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, or bromegrass where adapted.

40

Mixture of at least 5 species with either of the following: Woody species must be planted on 10 - 90% of the acreage. Herbaceous species must be planted on the remainder of the acreage. • at least 2 native grasses and at least 2 tree, shrub, forb, and/or legume species best suited

for various wildlife species in the area ; or • at least 2 shrub and/or tree species and at least 2 native grasses, forb and/or legume

species best suited for various wildlife species in the area.

50

Example: Producer offers 100 acres of old world bluestem as an enhancement to 30 points, and also wants to earn 25 points under N4B Enduring Benefits. Assume a 90 percent threshold.

Solution: To meet the threshold requirements, 90 acres must meet a 30 point score or better, (100 ac. x.90=90). To meet the N4B Enduring benefits requirement, at least 5% of the total offer must be established in shrubs., and 5 acres (100x.05=5) must contain shrub plantings. If the participant chooses to plant a mixture of 90% shrubs and 10% herbaceous under the CP4D practice. the offer would look like this:

CP4D, Establishment of Permanent Wildlife Habitat (5 acres of

shrubs-90% and 0.6 acres herbaceous-10%) 5.6 ac. 40 points

CP1, Permanent Vegetation Established, Introduced Grasses and Legumes

84.4 ac. 30 points

Note: The CP4D planting was 5.6 total acres, which was needed to get the required 5 acres of shrubs. The spacings and distribution requirements, etc., are described in Technical Note Biology OK-29, dated January 5, 2000, under the CP4D practice. Shrub plantings on 5% of the offered acreage. The participant may select anything between 10 percent and 90 percent as the shrub component. Whichever percent is selected, that acreage planted to shrubs must compromise at least 5% of the offered acreage..

In the above example, if the participant selected 50% shrubs and 50% herbaceous, the offer would be: 10 acres CP4D, with 5 acres shrubs, and 5 acres herbaceous, with 80 acres CP1.

Cover Subfactor N1 a, Sign-up 20 January 5, 2000 Technical Note Biology OK-29 TABLE 7. Shrubs for N4B Enduring Benefits

SPECIES ZONE SOILS REMARKS

MLRA 77A, 77B Only sandy soils choke cherry

statewide All except wet soils

Root sprouts. Leaves and seed poisonous to stock and humans, avoid poor drainage, excellent wildlife.

bush or white honeysuckle

All except MLRA 77A, 77B, 70B

Dry soils, except coarse sands

Does not spread like vine honeysuckle

MLRA 77A < WEG 86 common lilac

statewide All dry soils

Root sprouts, very adaptable, good density.

shrub lespedeza MLRA 80A and east Needs ample moisture

Preferred quail food.

autumn olive east of 1-35 Not on poorly drained, wet or shallow soils

Excellent nesting, fruit for birds.

MLRA 77A, 77B < WEG 86 four-wing saltbush

west of 1-35 Not on sands or wet

Excellent cover, browse. Plant 4# PLS per acre of de-winged seed or 10# PLS per acre of winged seeds. Broadcast onto furrow-diked or furrowed seedbeds. Otherwise drill.

American plum All except MLRA 77A, 77B

Well drained soils except coarse sands

Small tree, can form thickets.

sand plum All Not on wet soils Excellent cover and food plant.

fragrant sumac (skunkbush)

All Statewide, but limited to sandy soils in MLRA 77A, 77B,

Excellent cover and food plant.

Vitex chaste-tree All except panhandle Dry soils, not coarse sands

Good for honey production.

Statewide except east of 40" rainfall

All except wet soils. winterberry euonymous

MLRA 77A, 77B. Not on sandy soils

Excellent wildlife plant.

Planting Specifications: Bare Root Seedlings - All species except four-winged saltbush will be planted at the following density. Normal Field Planting 2/ w/Weed Barrier 1/ 2/ Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Shrubs per acre 272 544 136 544

1/ No cost share is available for weed barrier or drip irrigation for shrub plantings. However, participants who install either of these components at their own cost can reduce the minimum number of required shrub plantings to the levels shown in the Weed Barrier column.


2/ Spacing may be adjusted to take advantage of sites such as natural drains, terrace channels, etc., as long as the required shrubs per acre are planted. Typical spacings are: 272 trees per acre = 8' X 20', 544 trees per acre = 8' X 10', and 136 trees per acre = 8' X 40'. Site Preparation - Areas to be established in shrubs shall be prepared for planting in accordance with the Tree/Shrub (612) standard and specifications. Additionally, plant in terrace channels, or in furrows to optimize moisture conditions. Also refer to Job Sheet JS 612 01, Tree/Shrub Planting. Species Selection - a minimum of two species must be planted within each offer. Each of the two species must compose at least 25 percent of the total plantings within the offer. Distribution of Shrub Plantings - No more than 1 percent of the required 5 percent to be planted in shrubs will be planted in a single strip or block planting. Each offer will have at least 5 individual planting locations. Planting root sprouting species in a "plus" pattern will facilitate fill-in of the mott. Strip plantings should be placed as evenly across the offer as is practical considering factors such as prevailing winds, slope, contour, and soils to optimize erosion and wildlife benefits. Block plantings should be distributed throughout the field to provide optimum interspersion and benefits to targeted wildlife species. Establishment Criteria - Stands will be considered adequate when populations of 120 trees per acres have been established. Replanting will be required as needed to achieve 120 trees per acre. Stand evaluation for establishment shall be done at the end of the first growing season.

CP10 - VEGETATIVE COVER (GRASS ALREADY ESTABLISHED) To enhance an existing stand to earn a higher point score, use the CRP practice compatible with the points desired. For instance, if an individual wants to earn 40 points using introduced plants, the enhancement will be done under CP1. If one wants to earn 50 points, the enhancement will be done under CP2. For stand enhancements which consist of overseeding of existing native plantings with forbs and legumes, the planting dates are Feb. 1 - March 31 and are considered CP2 practices. It is not considered technically feasible to overseed introduced grasses without some treatment that reduces the competition from the base grasses. Refer to the various Job Sheets.

CP10 Vegetative cover - grass - already established. Score this item based on the original planted cover type. 1/

POINT SCORE

Solid stand of one or two species of introduced grass (greater than 80% frequency) 10 Solid stand of one or two species of native grass (greater than 80% frequency) 20 Mixed stand, minimum of 3 species. At least one introduced or native grass (greater than 80%frequency), and a 10% frequency of native forbs, shrubs and/or legumes (up to 3% native annuals). Acceptable plants are those listed on the Range Site Technical Guide.

30

Mixed stand, minimum of 4 species. At least 2 native or introduced grasses and at least a 10% frequency of native forbs, shrubs and/or legumes (up to 3% native annuals). Acceptable plants are those listed on the Range Site Technical Guide.

40

Mixed stand, minimum of 5 species. At least 3 native grasses and at least a 10% frequency ofnative forbs, shrubs and/or legumes (up to 3% native annuals). Acceptable plants are those listed on the Range Site Technical Guide.

50

1/ Sampling Procedures on Existing CRP Grasses

If the participant feels that sufficient forbs, shrubs and legumes exist to meet the desired point requirements although they were not seeded into the original plantings, the following sampling procedure is prescribed.

Sampling will consist of crossing each field with a frequency transect. One transect will be run along a northsouth axis, the other along an east-west axis, roughly in the center of the field. Each transect should contain 100 observations with a 20" X 20" frame placed on the ground at each fifth step. After each line has been done, average the results to get overall frequency. In cases where fields are too small to accommodate the above procedure, adjust the steps between observations to achieve at least 30 observations per transect line. Retain transect results in the CRP contract folder, supporting records. All sampling must be done prior to the signing of the CRP-1 so that needed planting may be scheduled in the CPO.


CP11 - VEGETATIVE COVER - TREES ALREADY ESTABLISHED Refer to the plant species information described under CP3A for stand enhancements. A 50 point cover of native grasses and/or shrubs may be planted within the 15 - 20 percent openings under practice CP2.

CP12 - FOOD PLOTS This practice allows for the establishment and maintenance of annual and/or perennial wildlife food plots within CRP fields. In order to receive 5 points under CRP Ranking Factor N1e - Wildlife Enhancement, producers must establish food plots in accordance with the following guidance: Plant species will be selected from the approved list of plants best suited for use in wildlife food plots. Total acreage of CP12 shall not exceed 5 % of the acreage offered. The minimum acreage of food plots will be .25 acres or 2 percent of the contract acres, whichever is greater. The maximum acreage of individual food plots will be 5 acres. The size, location, and type(s) of plants in food plots should be based on the food requirements of the targeted wildlife species and not be immediately adjacent. Food plots should provide plants that differ from those found on nearby cropland and hayland fields. As a minimum requirement, the plants established on food plots that are contiguous to adjoining crop and hay fields on the boundaries of CRP land will be different from those plants typically grown on the adjoining non-CRP fields.

APPROVED LIST OF PLANTS BEST SUITED FOR WILDLIFE FOOD PLOTS (CP12) TABLE 8. ANNUAL PLANTS (WARM SEASON) 1/

grain sorghum (milo, maize) Proso millet corn German millet mungbean browntop millet soybean sesbania cowpea annual sunflower (black oil, graystripe, etc.) Oriental pea (Game bird) annual lespedeza (Korean, Kobe)

TABLE 9. ANNUAL PLANTS (COOL SEASON) 1/ wheat hairy vetch oats Austrian winter peas annual rye pasture mix (small grains, rye, vetch)

Sweetclover (biennial)

1/ Food plots will be established and maintained throughout the contract life. Refer to Technical Note Biology OK-24 and Wildlife Upland Habitat management (645) for information on establishing plants for wildlife food.

TABLE 10. PERENNIAL PLANTS (WARM SEASON) 2/

Illinois bundleflower trailing wildbean roundhead lespedeza least snoutbean tickclover Maximillian sunflower partridge pea ( reseeding annual) awnless bushsunflower alfalfa

TABLE 11. PERENNIAL PLANTS (COOL SEASON) white clover (biennial and perennial) red clover (biennial and perennial)

2/ With the exception of alfalfa, all warm season perennial food plots will include a mixture of at least 2 species. Each species should compose at least 25% of the mixture. The seeding rate for each species will be based on their percentage in the food plot mix. Refer to Tables 1, 2, and 3 of this technical note for information on establishing perennial plants best suited for wildlife. Alfalfa can be planted alone at the full seeding rate not to exceed 50 percent of the required acreage. It may also be planted in mixtures with other eligible plants. It should be noted that alfalfa is not a long lived perennial. Stand re-establishment and/or conversion to annual food plants may be required on acreage planted to alfalfa during the period of a CRP contract. The remainder of required food plot acreage will consist of either approved annuals, approved cool season perennials, or a mix of approved warm season perennials meeting the requirements described in this footnote.


CP19 -ALLEY CROPPING Refer to the plant species information described under CP1 and CP2 and CP3 of this technical note when planning this practice.

CP23 - WETLAND RESTORATION Farmed Wetland (FW), wetlands farmed under natural conditions (W), and Prior Converted Wetlands (PC) where hydrology is restored, can be re-vegetated through natural regeneration. Refer to Wetland Restoration (657) for restoration. All upland areas draining into the wetland and PC's where hydrology is not restored should be re-vegetated. If re-vegetation is planned, a cover that meets a 50 point category (as listed in CP2, CP3A) trees, or shrubs listed in the technical note is required.

CRP ESTABLISHMENT CONSIDERATIONS Due to the nature of forbs and legumes to be somewhat cyclic and weather dependent, establishment criteria will De evaluated on the base grass and the documentation that forbs and/or legumes were included into the planting.

PLANTING ALTERNATIVES Several choices for establishment of permanent cover are being offered due to the need to carry out weed -control to establish the base grass, the availability of seeds, and the potential for forbs and legumes to be injured from carry-over cropland herbicides. These choices may change as program policy is revised. These are: • Plant all the grasses, forbs, and legumes together, use mowing or an approved herbicide that is compatible

with forbs and legumes. • Plant all the base grass the first year, use regular herbicides to establish, then drill the forbs and legumes the

second year prior to March 31. Prior to planting the forbs and legumes, cover modification may be needed in the form of mowing or prescribed burning to allow the drill the place the forb and legume seed in direct contact with the soil. (Refer to Range Planting Job Sheets 550 01, 02 & 03 dated March, 1997 for additional information.)

EXAMPLE 3 CALCULATION WORKSHEET FOR SEED MIXTURES

SPECIES FULL PLS SEEDING

RATE

PERCENT OF MIX

LBS. PLS/AC FOR EACH SPECIES

ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

GRASSES big bluestem 6.0 20 1.2 60 72 little bluestem 3.4 15 .51 60 30.6 Indiangrass 4.5 20 .9 60 54 switchgrass 3.0 15 .45 60 27

sideoats grams 4.5 10 .45 60 27 blue grams 2.0 10 .2 60 12

FORBS & LEGUMES

Illinois bundleflower 4.0 5 .2 60 12 partridge pea 4.0 2 .08 60 4.8

Maximillian sunflower 2.0 3 .06 60 3.6 100

WOODY SPECIES (Refer to Woodland Job Sheets)




RATE

PERCENT OF MIX


ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

GRASSES old world bluestem 2 70 1.4 60 84

FORBS & LEGUMES

alfalfa 10 15 1.5 60 90 sweetclover 5 5 .25 60 15

Illinois bundleflower 4 10 .4 60 24 60

100 WOODY SPECIES (Refer to Woodland Job Sheets)



RATE

PERCENT OF MIX


ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

GRASSES orchard grass 6 30 1.8 60 108 bromegrass 12 30 3.6 60 216

FORBS & LEGUMES

birdsfoot trefoil 4 35 1.4 60 84 cowpea 40 5 2 60 120

60 60

100 WOODY SPECIES (Refer to Woodland Job Sheets)

EXAMPLE 6 CALCULATION FOR STAND ENHANCEMENT PLANTINGS ON NATIVE GRASSES


RATE

PERCENT OF MIX

LBS. PLS/AC OF EACH SPECIES

ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

FORBS & LEGUMES Illinois bundleflower 4.0 10 .4 60 24

partridge pea 4.0 4 .16 60 9.6 Maximillian sunflower 2.0 6 .12 60 7.2

20


EXAMPLE 7 CALCULATION FOR STAND ENHANCEMENT PLANTINGS ON INTRODUCED GRASSES


RATE

PERCENT OF MIX

LBS. PLS/AC OF EACH SPECIES

ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

FORBS & LEGUMES alfalfa 10.0 25 2.5 60 150

sainfoin 20.0 25 5 60 300 sweetclover 5.0 10 .5 60 30

60


CALCULATION WORKSHEET FOR SEED MIXTURES


RATE

PERCENT OF MIX

LBS. PLS/AC

OF EACH SPECIES

ACRES TO BE

PLANTED

TOTAL PLS LBS.

GRASSES

FORBS & LEGUMES

Totals

WOODY SPECIES (Refer to Woodland Job Sheets)

I certify that this mixture meets the NRCS FOTG standard and specification.

NRCS employee ________________________________________________

Title __________________________________________________________

Date _________________________________________________________

u. s. department of agriculture technical notes

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