<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 26.20.29.03" title_num="26" subtitle_num="20" chapter_num="29" heading="Plant Species Selection and Land Treatment.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>All planting plans, including trees and shrubs, shall include provisions for a herbaceous cover. The selection of plant species shall be based on proposed postmining land use, elevation, and soil conditions.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Establishment of a temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetative cover requires the following treatment:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Preparation of a seed bed by discing, harrowing, or other methods, if an adequate seed bed does not exist;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Application of lime to obtain a proper pH for the seed mixture to be planted, with minimum rate of 4 tons of lime per acre required, although a liming rate based on a soil analysis may be substituted for the minimum rate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Application of fertilizer to ensure proper nutrients for plant growth, with minimum rate of 400 pounds per acre of 10-20-20 or equivalent required, although a fertilizer rate based on soil analysis may be substituted for the minimum rate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Inoculation of legume seed with proper strain, and triple the inoculation rate if hydroseeded;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Protection of seeded area from livestock grazing and harvesting;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Fall seeding of legumes to be completed by September 1; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Spring planting of seedlings to be completed before May 1.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>