United States Department of Agriculture

![](media/image1.png){width="2.9451388888888888in"
height="0.45069444444444445in"}

**Indiana - October 2006** (ver. 1.2)

**Native Grass Plantings Program Job Sheet**

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.4166666666666665in"
height="2.28125in"}**purpose**

Native grass plantings are used to reduce soil erosion, improve water
quality, and create or enhance wildlife habitat.

Native grass communities are often associated with prairies, barrens,
and savannas. Common native grasses that grow well in Indiana include
warm-season grasses (WSG) such as Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, and
Indiangrass, as well as native cool season grasses such as Canada Wild
Rye and Virginia Wild Rye. Native grass communities also included common
wildflowers (forbs) such as Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Prairie
Blazing Star, and others.

Native grass plantings of warm-season species provide excellent nesting
and winter cover for wildlife. These tall, stiff, upright grasses stand
up well to snow and ice. Native grasses grow mostly in the heat of the
summer, unlike the cool-season grasses (found in most lawns) which grow
best in the spring and fall.

Native grasses persist long after establishment. However, like most
long-lived plant species, they generally establish slowly. Therefore, it
is very important to establish these grasses properly and to have
patience when evaluating the results.

Where Practice Applies

Native grasses are used on land retired from agricultural production,
including land entered in retirement programs. This practice does not
apply to plantings for forage production or to critical area plantings.

CRP Policy

If 50 points were awarded for the National Ranking Factor N1a, at least
three (3) native grass species, plus at least two (2) forbs or legumes
will be established. If 20 points were awarded for the National Ranking
Factor, at least two (2) native grasses, plus at least one (1) forb or
legume will be established.

Selection of Seeding Rates and Species

Seeding rates for native grasses and legumes/forbs are found in the
Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) Standard of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) electronic Field Office Technical
Guide (eFOTG). Any pre-packaged mixes [must]{.underline} be approved
before seeding. Site-specific requirements are listed on the attached
Specifications Sheet.

**Site Preparation**

Successful site preparation should begin the fall before seeding.
Existing cover must be eliminated by spraying or tilling. If spraying
herbicide, work with a local consultant or Purdue Extension Specialist
to determine the best herbicide combination and apply it at the
appropriate time in the fall. Follow the manufacturer\'s label rates and
guidelines when applying herbicides. Consider using a cover crop if
tillage is used in the fall to prepare the site. Perform weed control
efforts again in the spring prior to planting to increase the likelihood
of a successful planting.

Seeding

All mixes must be planted within 12 months of contract approval to
remain in compliance. If circumstances beyond the landowner's control
prohibit the planting within the first 12 months, the local Farm Service
Agency (FSA) County Committee may approve an extension to the next
planting season.

**Seeding Dates:**

  ---------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------
  **Species/Mix**        **IN Seeding Dates**  **Dormant Seeding Dates\***

  Cool Season Grasses    3/1-5/15 or 8/1-9/15  12/1-3/1

  Legumes                3/1-5/15 or 8/1-9/15  12/1-3/1

  Warm Season Grasses    4/1-6/15              12/1-4/1

  Forbs                  4/1-6/15              12/1-4/1
  ---------------------- --------------------- ---------------------------

**\*** Increase seeding rates by 25% dormant seeding. Broadcasting of
warm season grasses should only be done into a prepared seedbed with
protection from erosion as a consideration.

**No-till Seeding:** Ensure the drill is designed to handle the seed
being planted (especially important for native grasses). Many Quail
Unlimited and Pheasants Forever chapters, as well as local Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, have native grass drills available. Set
the drill to provide an ideal planting depth of ^1^/~8~ to ¼ inch unless
otherwise directed. Seeding native grasses deeper than ¼ inch will lead
to potential failure. Soils that are too wet or too dry can also cause
improper seed placement.

**Broadcast Seeding:** Seed may be broadcast using a broadcast seeder
designed to handle the seed being planted if completed in a uniform
manner. Pre-mixing the seed with 200 lbs. per acre of pelletized lime
and utilizing an airflow applicator is also effective. Seedbeds should
be worked to a minimum depth of three (3) inches and firmed before
seeding. The seedbed should be culti-packed [before]{.underline} and
[after]{.underline} seeding. It is acceptable to see up to ⅓ of the seed
on the soil surface. Wind speed should be 15 m.p.h. or less when
broadcasting.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and
Wildlife also has detailed information on seeding native grasses at
<http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/warmgrass.pdf>.

Contact NRCS for other seeding methods and dates.

**Weed Control During Establishment Period**: Mowing and herbicides
should be used to control unwanted vegetation [until]{.underline} a
final Status Review is issued, or for a maximum of three (3) years after
planting. Mow when competing weeds are taller than the planted
vegetation, and at a height above the planted vegetation. Grasses should
not be mowed lower than six (6) inches to ensure plant health.

**Use of Herbicides:** New herbicides have been introduced for use with
native grasses. They are very effective in controlling weeds during the
establishment year. Follow all federal, state, and local guidelines as
well as the manufacturer\'s label rates and guidelines when applying
non-selective herbicides. For additional information on herbicide
controls, contact a local consultant or Purdue Extension Specialist.

**Operation and Maintenance**

After the Final Status Review, or a maximum of three (3) years after
planting, maintain the planting according to your CRP conservation plan.
Maintenance activities are allowed only if necessary to maintain stand
health or diversity, or to control pests that may damage the CRP cover
or adjacent lands. Noxious weeds, such as Canada thistle and
Johnsongrass, must be controlled. Additional information can be found in
the *2006 Weed Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana* - Bulletin 789,
Publication \# WS16

<http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/WS/WS-16/ProblemWeeds06.pdf>.

**Mowing for generic weed control or for cosmetic purposes is strictly
prohibited.**

Maintenance activities are [not allowed from **March 1 through July
15**]{.underline} to protect ground-nesting wildlife. If maintenance
activities are needed at times other than these, the FSA County
Committee **[must]{.underline}** approve the maintenance activity
**[prior to]{.underline}** the activity occurring. Maintenance
activities will be conducted on **[a "spot" basis only]{.underline}**.

Exclude all acres from haying and grazing year round, unless authorized.
Fences may need to be constructed and maintained to exclude livestock
throughout the entire year.

The contract area cannot be used for field roads or other uses that will
damage or destroy the cover.

Mid-contract Management

All new CRP contracts must have mid-term contract management activities
scheduled that are site specific and will ensure plant diversity,
wildlife habitat, and protection of soil and water resources. Management
activities that will ensure these benefits include prescribed burning
(according to an approved burn plan), strip disking, strip spraying, and
inter-seeding of legumes. All management activities must be performed
according to NRCS Standards and Specifications as found in the FOTG and
CRP policy. Existing CRP contracts may voluntarily have the contract
modified to add Mid Contract Management activities and cost-share with
prior approval from the local FSA office.

Mid-contract management sheets can be found at

[**http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html**](http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html).

**Prescribed Burning:** Where prescribed burning may be the Mid-contract
Management option, the following apply:

1.  NRCS FOTG Standard *Prescribed Burning (338),* and *Firebreak
    (*394)*,* will be followed.

2.  Firebreaks will be included in this practice, and will be
    constructed according to the specifications stated in the burn plan.

3.  See CRP Mid-Contract Management Job Sheet: *Prescribed Burning* for
    additional guidance.

**Managed Haying and Grazing**

These plantings may be used for [managed]{.underline} haying or grazing.
These activities must be performed according to NRCS Standards and
Specifications as found in the FOTG and CRP policy. The same acreage may
not be hayed or grazed more than once every three (3) years. Annual CRP
rental payments will be reduced based on the value of the forage
removed. All managed haying and grazing activities must be conducted
outside of the [primary nesting season **(April 1 to August
1)**]{.underline} and must be approved by FSA and included in the
conservation plan prior to harvesting the forage.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Native Grasses Planting (CP-2)                                      |
|                                                                       |
| # SPECIFICATIONS SHEET                                                |
+=======================================================================+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 11%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"><strong>Landowner:</strong></td>
<td colspan="5"><strong>     </strong></td>
<td><strong>County:</strong></td>
<td colspan="3"><strong>     </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><strong>F</strong><strong>arm:</strong></td>
<td><strong>     </strong></td>
<td><strong>Tract:</strong></td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>Field(s):</strong></td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>Acres:</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Grasses:      </p>
<p>Firebreak:      </p></td>
<td><strong>Date:</strong></td>
<td>    </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 4%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 4%" />
<col style="width: 16%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="14"><h6
id="recommended-species-and-seeding-rates">Recommended Species and
Seeding Rates</h6></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="14"><h6
id="use-the-seeding-mixture-calculator-in-the-nrcs-upland-wildlife-habitat-management-standard-645-for-seeding-rates.-all-rates-are-in-pure-live-seed-pls">Use
the <em>Seeding Mixture Calculator</em> in the NRCS <em>Upland Wildlife
Habitat Management</em> Standard (645) for seeding rates. All rates are
in Pure Live Seed (PLS)</h6></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td rowspan="6"></td>
<td colspan="2">50 Pt. mix</td>
<td><p>Rate</p>
<p>Lb./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
<td rowspan="6"></td>
<td colspan="2">20 Pt. mix</td>
<td><p>Rate</p>
<p>Lb./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="4"><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lb.</td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lb.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lb.</td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lb.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lb.</td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lb.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lb.</td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lb.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lb.</td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lb.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td rowspan="7"></td>
<td colspan="2">Additional Forbs</td>
<td><p>Rate</p>
<p>Oz./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
<td rowspan="7"></td>
<td colspan="2">Additional Forbs</td>
<td><p>Rate</p>
<p>Oz./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="4"><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td>Oz.</td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td>     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.0</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Oz.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2" rowspan="4"> <strong>Firebreaks:</strong></td>
<td colspan="6">Species/Activity</td>
<td colspan="3"><p>Rate</p>
<p>Lb./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="3"><p>Total =</p>
<p><strong>(Rate X Acres)</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="6"></td>
<td colspan="3">     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td><strong>Lbs.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="6"></td>
<td colspan="3">     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td>Lbs.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="12"><p> Establish a Bare-Ground Firebreak by disking the
Fall &amp; Spring prior to Prescribed Burning</p>
<p>Disked areas will be re-seeded after each Prescribed Burn</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="14">NOTES:      </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

  --------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------------------------------ ----------------
  **Site                                                                                   
  Preparation -                                                                            
  BEFORE Planting                                                                          
  in Year:**                                                                               

  **Herbicide                                         **     **                            **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                           

  **Herbicide                                         **     **                            **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                           

  **Herbicide                                         **     **                            **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                           

  **Tillage:**                **     **                                                    

  **Prescribed                            **     **                                        
  Burning:**                                                                               

  **Temporary                                                                              
  Seeding:**                                                                               

  **Other:**      **     **                                                                

  NOTES:                                                                                   
  --------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------------------------------ ----------------

  ----------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
  **Planting Year:**                                   

  **Planting Method (grass                             **Date:**
  planting):**                                         

  **Planting Method                                    **Date:**
  (firebreak):**                                       

  **If unforeseen circumstances                        
  prohibit planting by this                            
  date, please contact the                             
  local NRCS office as soon as                         
  possible.**                                          
  ----------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *              |                                                     |
| *Post-Planting |                                                     |
| Maintenance**  |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| **Mowing:**    |                                                     |
| [BEFOR         |                                                     |
| E]{.underline} |                                                     |
| final Status   |                                                     |
| Review, mow to |                                                     |
| a              |                                                     |
| [minimu        |                                                     |
| m]{.underline} |                                                     |
| height of six  |                                                     |
| (6) to eight   |                                                     |
| (8) inches     |                                                     |
| high [when the |                                                     |
| weeds are 12   |                                                     |
| inches taller  |                                                     |
| than the       |                                                     |
| planted        |                                                     |
| grasse         |                                                     |
| s]{.underline} |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| > \*[AFTE      |                                                     |
| R]{.underline} |                                                     |
| > final Status |                                                     |
| > Review, mow  |                                                     |
| > to a         |                                                     |
| > [minimu      |                                                     |
| m]{.underline} |                                                     |
| > height of    |                                                     |
| > six (6) to   |                                                     |
| > eight (8)    |                                                     |
| > inches       |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                | **     **                                           |
| *              |                                                     |
| *Herbicide\*** |                                                     |
| **(per         |                                                     |
| label)**:      |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| **Other:       |                                                     |
|      **        |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| > **\*NOTE:    |                                                     |
| > [Afte        |                                                     |
| r]{.underline} |                                                     |
| > the final    |                                                     |
| > Status       |                                                     |
| > Review has   |                                                     |
| > been issued, |                                                     |
| > weed control |                                                     |
| > and other    |                                                     |
| > maintenance  |                                                     |
| > activities   |                                                     |
| > will be      |                                                     |
| > conducted    |                                                     |
| > between      |                                                     |
| > [July 15 -   |                                                     |
| > March        |                                                     |
| > 1            |                                                     |
| ]{.underline}, |                                                     |
| > and on a     |                                                     |
| > "spot" basis |                                                     |
| > [only        |                                                     |
| ]{.underline}, |                                                     |
| > unless prior |                                                     |
| > approval is  |                                                     |
| > granted by   |                                                     |
| > the FSA      |                                                     |
| > County       |                                                     |
| > Committee.** |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Mid-Contract Management Starting In Year:**                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Prescribed Burning:** according to an approved burn plan Burning    |
| will not occur more than once every 3 years on the same acreage.      |
|                                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Strip Spraying:** Spraying will not occur more than once every 3    |
| years on the same acreage.                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Strip Disking:** Disking will not occur more than once every 3      |
| years on the same acreage.                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Inter-seeding:** Inter-seeding will not occur more than once every  |
| 3 years on the same acreage.                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **The Specific Mid Contract Management Activity will be decided by    |
| the participant in the scheduled year**                               |
|                                                                       |
| **based on condition of the vegetation, site considerations,          |
| capabilities of the participant, etc.**                               |
|                                                                       |
| Treatment will not occur more than once every 3 years on the same     |
| acreage. Reimbursement will be dependant on the activity(s) performed |
| based on local FSA Not-To-Exceed rates.                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **1**                                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| **For CRP Mid-contract Management job sheets see:                     |
| <http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html>**         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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  **Additional Information**

  **     **
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