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3. Site preparation is often an important prelude to seeding and 

 planting. This might include various practices such as: (a) spreading 

 previously stockpiled topsoil; (b) chaining, harrowing, discing, 



or rolling to roughen the seedbed and break surface crusting; and 

 (c) fertilizing. 



4. It is desirable to conduct seeding operations before mulching to 

 attain maximum benefit from the mulch. However, this is not possible 

 in some locations (e.g., areas with pronounced dry seasons) because 

 the time of seeding or transplanting is critical. Seeding and 

 planting operations during the drought period are usually failures; 

 operations must take place during appropriate seasons for the area. 

 Transplanting through a previously applied mulch is often successful 

 in these situations. Sometimes wattling (installing low barriers 



of soils and brush along the contour up and down the slope) is a 

 successful substitute for mulching. Seeding, planting, or both, 

 between the wattles can then be carried out at the proper time. 



5. Species selection must be designed to meet local needs. Grassses 

 have been most commonly used; however, forbs, shrubs, and trees 

 alone or in combinations should be considered. Legumes have 

 particular benefits as nitrogen fixers as do some other plants. 

 Deep-rooted plants including both trees and shrubs can help 

 increase mass stability as well as reduce surface erosion. Rapid- 

 growing, short-lived species (e.g., some of the ryes and oats) 

 are often desirable for nurse crops for slower growing vegetation. 



6. Fertilization should accompany most revegetation operations. Proper 

 types and amounts of fertilizer should be based upon soil analyses 

 or experience in the area. Additional amounts may be required if 

 organic mulches are used. 



