NutraFix helps reduce combustible grass at old mining site

South Canyon was home to a coal mining operation that produced nearly one million tons of high-grade coal from 1902 until 1951. While coal mining in South Canyon ceased long ago, an active coal seam fire remains underground. Furthermore, due to the arid climate and rugged terrain, this area has a devastating fire history. Most notably, in 2002 the underground seam ignited the surrounding area, spread, and burned 29 homes and buildings in Glenwood Springs.

The South Canyon area is now a popular mountain biking, hiking, and archery recreation site. However, the active coal seam opens the possibility for a wildfire. Not to mention, the flames would quickly reach volatile invasive annual grasses adjacent to the area. Furthermore, the steep mountain terrain complicates site accessibility. Ultimately, they sought solutions for promoting native vegetation in order to outcompete the more flammable annual grasses.

Mitigate surface fire danger by reclaiming the mine’s surface expression to less combustible native perennial vegetation. In addition, apply erosion control methods on the steep slopes beneath the fire. After reviewing all project considerations, the team selected NutraFix micronutrient fertilizer to promote rapid seeded species establishment. As a result, allowing the native plants to outcompete weedy invaders.

How does NutraFix micronutrient fertilizer help reduce combustible grass?

• NutraFix is a novel fertilizer emphasizing micronutrients made from naturally occurring minerals. The goal of NutraFix is to naturally activate soil health using full-spectrum nutrient additions to promote the vigorous growth of desirable plants.
• NutraFix is seed-friendly and promotes the germination of native species from both seed and existing seed bank sources.
• Lastly, it improves soil health by replenishing lost nutrients in degraded soils. Enhancing soil health accelerates perennial vegetation growth, optimizes soil structure to promote infiltration, and can decrease erosion.

During the coal mine reclamation project, soils were regraded by heavy equipment to remove erosive features such as gullies. After regrading, the team set forth stabilizing native plant cover to control erosion and reduce fire risk. A contractor applied NutraFix micronutrient fertilizer in concert with seeding near the coal seam. The adjacent land above the project is dominated by combustible invasive species, such as cheatgrass and thistles. Native vegetation is preferable at this site because of its deep roots and soil stabilization. Not to mention native plants stay green later in the season making them less fire-prone.

NutraFix helped seeded perennial grasses establish in the first growing season. Nutrient-dense soil conditions resulted in increased cover by native species, allowing them to outcompete weedy invaders and therefore reduce combustible grass. The seeded area surrounding the NutraFix application did not establish native grasses and was subsequently converted to weedy and combustible annual grasses. The South Canyon project provides a powerful side-by-side comparison of both seeding and applying NutraFix versus seeding alone. NutraFix was a commanding solution to this challenging problem.

“NutraFix has been extremely effective at encouraging native grass growth when applied during revegetation of reclaimed coal mine fire sites. By promoting native grass growth and building sustainable native grass cover, the surface fire danger at the sites is greatly reduced. We look forward to using NutraFix on additional sites in coming years.”
-Colorado DRMS