1

Alabama NRCS

Tech NewsSummer 2007

Plum Thickets for WildlifeJoel D. Glover, Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Dept of Con & Nat Resources

When most peopleconsider plantingsomething to improve thehabitat for wildlife on theirproperty, they normallythink of a plant that willproduce food in the formof seeds or forage. Whilesupplementing naturalfood with a plantedspecies is normally agood practice, peopleinterested in managingwildlife habitat need toremember that all speciesof wildlife require morethan food to thrive.Adequate food, water,cover and space in closeproximity to each otherprovide good habitat.While most folks easilyunderstand the need for

food and water, they oftenfail to consider theimportance of cover.Cover is an essentialcomponent of wildlifehabitat and in manycases a lack of coverrenders otherwise goodhabitat useless.

Sufficient cover isnot only needed asshelter from the elementsbut it also protectsanimals while they feed,breed, roost, rest andtravel. Depending on thespecies, cover mayconsist of a dense standof trees, a thick clump ofweeds or a pile of rocks.

While some speciesrequire a minimal amountof cover, other species,

such as bobwhite quailare very stronglyassociated with protectivecover. In winter, whengrass and weed coversbecome thin, shrubcovers and thickets areparticularly important.Native shrubs such asChickasaw Plum, Prunusaugustifolia, provide a lowthick overhead canopythat affords protectionfrom avian predatorswhile leaving bare groundbeneath which the birdscan maneuver through.When managing for a lowmobility species such asquail, land managersmust insure that all of thenecessary habitatcomponents are in closeproximity to adequateprotective cover. Themore time coveys spendmoving and feeding, thegreater the chance ofdetection by predators.By arranging foodsources and protectivecovers such as plumthickets closely togetheryou can enhance birdsurvival and optimize thenumber of birds on theproperty.

(Continued page 3)

Calendar

Jul 22-23 - AP and EAAnnual Meeting, Destin, FLJul 25 - QuarterlyWiregrass RC&D CouncilMeetingAug 1-2 - Grazing Clinics,Alabama A&M, SandMountain Researchand Extension, Center, ALAug 2 - Area II DistrictSupervisors Meeting,Noccalula Falls Park,Etowah County, ALAug 6-10 - Eng SoftwareTraining, Auburn, ALAug 9 - Area V DistrictSupervisors Meeting, FarmCenter, Houston Co, ALAug 16 - Area I DistrictSupervisors Meeting, EastColbert Church of Christ,Colbert Co, ALAug 21-24 - AU T-SquareErosion and SedimentControl Training, Mobile,Montgomery, Huntsvilleand Birmingham, ALSept 6 - Red Water BluesField Day, Cullman, ALSept 13 - Red Water BluesField Day, Prattville, ALSep 20 - Area VI DistrictAnnual Meeting, Hilton Inn,Orange Beach, ALSept 27 - Red Water BluesField Day, Spanish Fort, ALNov 4-6 - Alabama RC&DAnnual Meeting, CawacoRC&D Council, B’ham, AL

In This Issue

Stop CogongrassHitchikers . . . . . . . . . 2

Releasing Hard-woods-CRP-CP22Riparian Buffer. . . . . 4

Training Opps. . . . . . 5

New Tools. . . . . . . . . 6

Con TillageWorkshops . . . . . . . 6

AL Forest HealthConference . . . . . . . 7Chickasaw Plum

2

Stop Cogongrass Hitchikers

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), sometimescalled Japan grass, continues its rapid spread acrossAlabama and the Southeast, reducing forestproductivity, destroying wildlife habitat, and impactingrights-of ways. One way this aggressive weed isspreading so quickly is by hitchhiking around thestate, catching rides on skidders, road graders,mowers, food plot equipment, and other forest androad maintenance equipment. Help slow the spreadof cogongrass by following these three steps:

1. Learn to identify cogongrass2. Avoid cogongrass when possible3. Clean vehicles, equipment and clothing after

operating in contaminated areas.

Learn how to identify cogongrass:

• Leaves – 1/2-1 inch wide, 1-6 feet tall; edge ofleaves is rough like sandpaper; often yellowish-green in color with whitish midrib that is generallyoff-center especially near the base of the leaves;leaves brown after a freeze.

• Flowers – 2-8 inches in length, silvery white incolor; seeds also silvery white, light and fluffy, willblow off like dandelion seeds; blooms spring orearly summer, or after disturbance.

• Plant base – no apparent stem so leaves appearto almost arise directly from the ground, plants aremore spread out than clumped.

• Rhizome/roots – dense mat of light-coloredrhizomes (underground stems) that are covered inflaky scales, are strongly segmented and havesharp points.

• Whole plant – plants grow in dense, often circularpatches.

Avoid cogongrass infestations. Cogongrass isspread by both wind-blown seeds (a single plant canproduce 3,000 seeds) and underground branchingrhizomes. Each rhizome, or fragment of rhizome, canstart a new plant. Seeds or pieces of rhizomesmoved to new areas in contaminated soil, hay, sod, oron equipment can easily sprout and start newinfestations.• Do not mow, bushhog, or even go through

cogongrass, when seed heads are present.• Do not work in cogongrass infested areas when

soil is muddy and rhizomes can easily be brokenoff and stuck on equipment.

• Do not push roads or fire lines or grade roadsthrough cogongrass. If unavoidable, try to docontaminated sites last.

This aggressive weed catchs rides on skidders, roadgraders, mowers, food plot equipment, and other forestand road maintenance equipment.

3

From a publication by theAlabama CooperativeExtension System (AlabamaA&M and Auburn Universities)in cooperation with the U.S.Department of Agriculture. AnEqual Opportunity Educatorand Employer.

• Clean equipmentafter operating ininfested areas Ifworking in areasinfested withcogongrass isunavoidable, cleanvehicles, equipmentand clothing beforemoving to anuncontaminated site.

Cogongrass is aFederal and StateNoxious Weed and it isillegal to transport plants,seeds or plant parts.Cleaning vehicles andequipment in the fieldmay be a challenge, butdo the best you can.Every little bit helps and itwill keep you frombreaking the law!

Areas to clean andcheck:• radiator, grill,

undercarriage andtops of vehicles

• blades, and under thedeck of bushhogs,mowers, etc.

• tires, rims, and tracks• places where seeds

and rhizomes canstick to grease andmud (seals, bearings,etc.)

• clothing (especiallywrinkles, cuffs, andhats)

• if water is available, apressure washer isthe best tool for thejob. If water is notavailable, use abroom and a shovel todislodge as much

(Plum Thickets for Wildlife,continued from page 1)

Although plum thicketsmay be an essentialcomponent of quail habitat,they do not coincide withanother essential quailmanagement technique,controlled burning. Sincethe plums will not withstandburning, they must beprotected from fire.Fortunately, however, thereis yet another practice thatwill protect the plums whileproviding many benefits forquail. That practice isknown as strip disking.

Lightly disking aroundthe perimeter of thickets willprovide a barrier of bare dirtaround the plums and willalso promote the growth ofbeneficial native foods thatquail depend on. Areas thatare lightly disked in winterset the stage for the growthof partridge peas, beggarweeds and other beneficialquail foods. In subsequentyears these areas will alsoprovide nesting cover.Disked on a three yearrotation, these areas providemany benefits.

Anyone considering ahabitat improvement projectshould consider the vital rolethat adequate cover plays inthe lives of many wildlifespecies.

seed and rhizomematerial aspossible. When inthe field, followbest managementpractices:

• do not wash offparts of themachine that haveoil buildup

• do not usechemicaldetergents

• do not wash in alocation wherewater runoff willreach a stream

• clean in an opensite that can bemonitored and anynew cogongrassplants eradicatedAlso schedule athorough cleaningat a garage orother facility asoften as possible.

For moreinformation aboutcogongrass and itscontrol visit http://www.cogongrass.orgor contact your countyExtension office. Visithttp://www.aces.edu/counties or look inyour telephonedirectory under yourcounty’s name to findcontact information.Prepared by: Dr.Nancy J. Loewenstein;School of Forestry andWildlife Sciences,Auburn University.

You can Identify cogongrass by the whitish midrib that isgenerally off-center, especially near the base of the leaves.

Areas lightly disked inwinter set the stagefor the growth ofbeneficial quail foods.

4

Tim Albritton, State Staff Forester, USDA-NRCS

Many planners, biologist, foresters, and naturalresource professionals have asked if post-plantingrelease is warranted or even feasible and if thelandowner can get cost-share assist with thistreatment under the CRP program.

In most cases, where an existing pasture or idlefield is being converted to hardwoods under theriparian forest buffer practice, a post-plantingrelease is warranted. The question frequently arises“Why if we are planning a pre-application herbicidetreatment do we need to plan for a post-plantingtreatment as well?”

The pre-application herbicide treatment isusually needed to control early successional trees,shrubs, and other plants that invade these areas andwill compete with the newly planted hardwoods. Theapplication is usually made, depending on thespecific herbicide, in the summer during periods ofactive growth. Subsoiling, if needed, is acomplementary practice that is usuallyrecommended as well.

The trees are then planted in the winter, usuallyDecember or January. The problem occurs thefollowing spring and early summer as new grassesand weeds begin to emerge and compete with theyoung hardwood seedlings for available water, light,and nutrients. High seedling mortality occurs and

Releasing Hardwoods Planted Under the CRP-CP22Riparian Buffer

leaves the landowner with a dilemma; site preparethe entire field again and replant which is very costlyor interplant the gaps which is usually ineffective.

A better solution is to plan a post-plantingrelease in cases where a heavy grass competition isexpected. This practice is authorized under the CRPand it can be planned in conjunction with the pre-application herbicide – broadcast treatment.

Over the past 7 or 8 years significant portions ofAlabama have experienced droughty conditions andthis intensifies the struggle for the hardwoodseedlings to survive. Release treatments have beenproven effective at increasing the seedling survivaland thus improving the effectiveness of the riparianbuffer.

There are a limited number of herbicides listedfor hardwood release, however, at least one doesexist that I am aware of -- *Oust® XP. The timing ofthe application is important. The label recommendsthe chemical be applied before the hardwood treeseedlings or transplants break dormancy (bud swellstage). I have included below some selectedexcerpts from the label for your convenience.However I always encourage anyone considering theuse of a chemical to read the entire label.

Jerry Johnson, a Technical Services Specialistwith DuPont, points out that the Oust® XP labelsstresses the dormant application of this product andalways use caution when applying to stressedseedlings. He also reminds us that with a pH of6.5 or more - reduce the Oust® XP rates. Theeffectiveness of the rate can double at a pH of 8 ormore.

There is no “silver bullet” answer to all of thechallenges and difficulties you face with regards tohardwood establishment. However, a post plantingrelease may provide the newly planted hardwoodseedlings with an opportunity to develop a sufficientroot system early, which is very important during thelate summer when the competition peaks.

* Trade names are used solely to provide specific information.Mention of a trade name does not constitute a guarantee of theproduct by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does it implyendorsement by the USDA or NRCS over comparable productsthat are not named.

Band Spraying Hardwoods

5

Selected excerpts from theDupont Label for Oust® XP:

Hardwoods

Hardwood Site Preparation—ApplicationBefore Transplanting

Apply 3 to 5 oz per acre on sites where northernred oak, white oak, chestnut oak, American sycamore,ash (white or green), red maple, sweet gum, or yellowpoplar are to be planted. Make all applications beforetransplanting.

Hardwood Release—Application AfterTransplanting

Apply 1 to 4 oz per acre in stands of Americansycamore, ash (white or green), bald cypress, oaks(such as chestnut, northern red, southern red,overcup, pin, swamp chestnut, cherrybark, water,white, pin, etc.), red maple, sweet gum, or yellowpoplar.

OUST® XP should be applied before thehardwood tree seedlings or transplants breakdormancy (bud swell stage). Applications made overthe top, after the trees have broken dormancy, mayinjure or kill the trees.

Natural Hardwood Regeneration

OUST® XP is recommended for herbaceousweed control in commercial reforestation areas wherehardwood seedling regeneration is desired followingshelterwood seed cuts. Apply 2 to 5 oz per acre usingappropriate ground equipment. For control of stripedmaple and beech, tank mix with 1 to 2 qts per acre ofglyphosate. For best results, apply late summer tomid-fall. Note that hardwood seedlings present at thetime of application may be severely injured or killed.

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS—FORESTRYONLY

• Applications of OUST® XP made to trees, conifers,or hardwoods that are suffering from loss of vigorcaused by insects, diseases, drought, winterdamage, animal damage, excessive soil moisture,planting shock, previous agricultural practices, orother stresses, may injure or kill the trees.

• Applications of OUST® XP made for release (treespresent) should only be made after adequate rainfall has closed the planting slit and settled the soilaround the roots following transplanting.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Grazing Clinic

A one-day grazing clinic will be held at theSand Mountain Extension and Research Center onSeptember 21, 2007. The event will involveinstruction as well as hands-on exercises. Topics tobe covered include:

Grazing MethodsPhysiology of Forage GrowthEnvironmental Impacts of GrazingPasture EconomicsForage Response to GrazingEconomical Fertilization in PasturesPoisonous Plant IdentificationFencing and Watering TechnologyAnimal Nutrition on PastureMinimizing Hay Requirements

The cost of the clinic is $40 per person andmust be paid in advance. This fee includes anumber of valuable educational resources includingthe book Southern Forages. Registration materialscan be picked up at 8:00 a.m. Lunch andrefreshments will be provided, and the meeting willend around 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration isrequired. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information,call Eddie Jolley, NRCS Conservation Agronomistat 334-887-4564 or e-maileddie.jolley@al.usda.gov.

AU T-Square Training Seminar

Auburn University’s Technology TransferCenter (T-Square) has announced a new trainingseminar in erosion control, sediment control andstormwater management technology. The seminarwill review effectiveness of sediment andstormwater basin, uses for polyacrylamides, toolsfor basin design, establishing cover for slopestabilization, selected ALDOT specifications andconcerns, and ADEM regulations and concerns.Seminars will be in Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville,and Birmingham on August 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and24th respectively. For more information visit thefollowing web site:

http://www.eng.auburn.edu/department/eesv/T2/seminars.html

6

Conservation Tillage Workshops HeldIn Dothan and Decatur

Ben Moore, Resource Conservationist, Luverne, AL

Two conservation tillage workshops were held inDothan and Decatur. Over 135 farmers, researchers,and agricultural agency personnel heard from farmerswho told about their experiences with conservationtillage systems. The farmers were more than willing toshare with others about their convictions and lessonslearned about conservation tillage farming.

Billy Lee of Lawrence County said, “I have apeace of mind knowing that I’m farming in a way thatenables the farm to sustain itself.” He also said that alot of the risk in farming is taken out becauseconservation tillagesystems conserve andmaintain more moisture.Jimmy Brooks of MonroeCounty says he hasimproved his soil organicmatter, saved time, labor,and fuel. He says he hasno plans to ever go backto a conventional tillagesystem. AuburnUniversity and ARSscientists presented the latest research about themanagement of cover crops, weeds, fertility,nematodes, and compaction. Randy Raper of theUSDA-ARS said that conservation tillage systems mustbe managed as a long-term, multi-year system toachieve all the maximum benefits. Bob Goodman,Auburn University economist, presented on theeconomics of conservation tillage systems and howconservation tillage can save on many input costs, butvaries greatly from farm to farm.

Attendees were able to examine new equipmentand see some equipment in operation. The partnersand sponsors for these workshops were: AL, NorthwestMountains Rivers & Valleys, and Wiregrass RC&DCouncils, USDA-ARS, USDA-NRCS, AuburnUniversity, Alabama SWCS, ACES, SWCDs, ADECA,Landmark Park, TN Basin Clean Water Partnership,Dale Co. Farmer’s Federation, Wiregrass InternationalInc, SunSouth LLC, Northside New Holland, andKirkland Farm.

Red Water Blues Field Days

Three field days are being offered to helpplanners, designers, contractors, inspectors, andothers learn more about erosion and sediment controlpractices and products: Sept. 6 - Cullman, Sept. 13 -Prattville, and Sept 27 - Spanish Fort.

Pre-registration is $40 ($50 after Friday prior toeach event). For more information visit the website:www.swcc.state.al.us/link_handbook_seminars.htm.

New Tools Available

C-Graz Planning Tool

NRCS conservation planners in Alabama have anew tool to help plan grazing systems. The softwareis approved by NRCS and was developed by the ESRIgroup in South Carolina. It is being used by severalstates in the Southeast. The tool allows clients toquickly see potential effects that various grazingmanagement options have on the forage productionand availability for their livestock. By balancing theforage production and availability to the livestockneeds clients should be able to reduce supplementalfeeding expenses. The software uses livestock andforage information from the client to compare variousmanagement scenarios. After planning decisions arereached, the software produces a grazingmanagement plan for the client. Ultimately, clients willbe able to make economical and informedmanagement decisions for their operation whileimproving the forage and animal resources.

New Look for Conservation Practice Standard

The Alabama conservation practice standard forFence will have a new look. While the standard hasnot changed, more information is being provided forconservation planners and clients in ways to properlyinstall the various farm fences. The new look willinclude drawings for installing fences, constructionspecifications, and a job sheet to provide a betterunderstanding of proper fence installation. Look for itsoon in Section IV on the Alabama e-FOTG: http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov/efotg_locator.aspx?map=AL

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, andwhere applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or apart of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who requirealternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice andTDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”