2016-01-14_REVISION - M1983194 (2)

Home Browse Search

Daub & Associates, Inc. Page 3-25 2015 NS Mine Plan Modification 1/5/2016 Section 3 General Site Conditions 3.8.3. Soil Sampling and Analysis One profile for each soil series was sampled in the Project Area. Physical and chemical properties of the soils were also analyzed. These data were used to test field observations, confirm soil classification, evaluate topsoil suitability, and to make preliminary soil fertility assessments. Soils were analyzed for the parameters listed in Table 3-6 in accordance with the indicated laboratory procedures. Soils were tested for molybdenum, selenium, and boron whenever the vegetation, water tests, or soils indicated potential problems. Analytical results are listed in Table 3-7. Soil profiles were sampled by horizons that indicated chemical and physical differences affecting management, rather than sampling by genetic horizons. The laboratory analyses were performed by Inter-Mountain Laboratories, Inc. located in Sheridan, Wyoming. 3.8.4. Soils of the Project and Lease Areas Generally, the soils on the hills and ridges within the Project Area are shallow and have coarse textures. The side slopes below the ridges and broad upland slopes are moderately deep and have a medium texture. Deep soils with medium textures are typically located in drainages and fans. Slopes range from 3 to 15 percent in drainages and fans, to about 50 percent on the ridges and hills. The nature of the soil and parent materials determine the kind and, to a considerable extent, the distribution of vegetation. This is largely because plant growth is heavily dependent on the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil. Other management factors such as fire, grazing, or other past land practices have altered the expected soil-plant relationship in some areas. Micro-relief and micro-climate factors influence plant-soil relationships as well. The Project Area exhibits the general soil-plant relationship as shown in Table 3-8.