Specifications include, but are not limited to: The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requires the assistance of an outside contractor specializing in the propagation of halophytic plant species that will support the Salton Sea Management Program in the germination, storage, care, and survival of native plant species of the Colorado and/or Mojave Deserts to support vegetation establishment and dust suppression projects.; A. Seed: 1. Upon execution of the contract, seed will be delivered to the Contractor within plastic containers or sacks (or comparable package units) containing breathable cotton or burlap sacks. The first delivery will be enough seed to cover plant needs for winter 2022/2023. Additional seed will be delivered to the Contractor as needed to fulfill future propagation needs. The seed will be provided by DWR.; 2. Seed Storage - The storage area climate must be controlled to ensure the sum of degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity does not exceed a value of 100. Seed must be checked for mold, mildew, and excess moisture prior to packaging for storage. If any of these indicators are identified, then DWR must be notified immediately so corrective action can be coordinated. Seed storage needs are anticipated to be between 5 and 90 days.; B. Plants: 1. All plants will be propagated in a minimum 2” X 7” “tall” pot size to permit unrestricted downward root growth and allow the development of root systems capable of reaching soil moisture at Plan sites. Other pot sizes needed for propagation include 2.7” X 14” and 6” X 30”.; a) 6” X 30” pots will need to be constructed as per the drawing and specifications in Figure 1: PVC Tall Pot (Exhibit A, Attachment 2).; 2. Pots will be filled with a standard soil mix consisting of two parts washed sand, two parts perlite, one part humus, one tablespoon mycorrhizae, and Osmocote fertilizer.; 3. All pots will be retained, cleaned, and reused for further propagation.; 4. All plants, other than Allenrolfea occidentalis (ALOCC), shall be irrigated as needed, until the soil within the pot is saturated. The water shall have a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The water will need to have salts dissolved and mixed into it to achieve an electrical conductivity range of 500 to 7,500 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm). Plants will initially be watered at 500 uS/cm and harden to 7,500 uS/cm over 10 weeks, in a linear fashion. Once 7,500 uS/cm is reached the plants shall be irrigated with 7,500 uS/cm water until the plants are delivered.; 5. ALOCC plants shall be irrigated as needed, until the soil within the pot is saturated. The water shall have a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The water will need to have salts dissolved and mixed into it to achieve an electrical conductivity range of 3,500 to 7,500 uS/cm. Plants will initially be watered at 3,500 uS/cm and harden to 7,500 uS/cm over 4 weeks, in a linear fashion. Once 7,500 uS/cm is reached the plants shall be irrigated with 7,500 uS/cm water until the plants are delivered.
