Laserfiche WebLink
observed. The moderate medium platy is a visual indicator of soil compaction while the moderate fine <br />subangular structure indicate little if any soil compaction. Visual inspection of the plant roots also indicated that <br />soil compaction was likely inhibiting plant growth on -ROW. The Kochia roots in the poor growth areas were <br />significantly more shallow and fibrous and horizontal elongation at approximately 4 to 6 inches which is where <br />the soil structure first indicated compaction (Photo 1). The roots in the good growth areas were as anticipated <br />for a grass plants showing good vertical growth. All plant and soil indicators visually inspected demonstrate that <br />soil compaction is likely a significant reason for poor grass growth and development in the areas of concern. The <br />actual depth and strength of the compaction is unknown at this time due to limited testing that has occurred. <br />To quantify the actual depth and strength of the compacted soil a thorough testing program would be required. <br />yam; <br />M <br />Y � 1 <br />r <br />74 j <br />9 Ii <br />Y 1 <br />y�l <br />i <br />Figure 1. Kochia plant with fibrous root system at a depth of 4 to 6 inches indicating soil compaction. <br />Reclamation success will be limited until the soil compaction is moved and root growth and water permeability <br />is maximized. Areas of increased compaction would benefit from the use of a ripper prior to the seeding <br />process; Decompaction is most quickly and effectively accomplished using a parabolic ripper. <br />Reclamation Plan: <br />During the site inspection two main causes for poor grass growth were identified within the problem areas. The <br />identified issues causing poor reclamation success include soil salinity and compaction. It is likely that the <br />increase in soil salinity is a direct result of the increased soil compaction. The increase in soil salinity is likely due <br />to poor internal drainage and the concentration of salts due to evapotranspiration. Therefore to increase <br />reclamation success the areas of concern should be deep ripped and then planted to a moderately saline <br />tolerant grass mixture. <br />The site should be ripped to a minimum of 12 inches, but if possible 16 inches is preferred. Ripping to a depth of <br />16 inches may be impractical at the site due to the high amount of coarse fragments in the soil. Ripping should <br />occur in mid to late August at a time when the soil is very dry. Decompaction activities conducted when the soil <br />2 <br />