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Topsoil Preservation and Use <br />(Construction Materials Rule 3.1.9 (1), (3), (4), (7) and 3.1.10 (1), (4)) <br />Management of topsoils may directly impact the success of interim and final <br />reclamation (Bowen et al, 2005). Topsoil should be harvested before any <br />mining or product removal and stockpiled. Map 8 shows possible locations <br />for stockpiling; if additional locations are needed, an unused area in the <br />storage/stockpile area could be utilized (Also see Appendix E, Map E1). <br />Topsoil looses tilth (e.g. nutrient loss, altered microbial communities) when <br />stockpiled and as such should not be left un -vegetated or in depths greater <br />then 18" for extended periods (6-12 months). Thus topsoil stockpiles may <br />need seeding and spreading to a thinner depth if long-term soil tilth is to be <br />maintained (see the vegetation section for suggested plant species). <br />Excessive working of the topsoil may also reduce tilth by changing the <br />structural nature of the soils (e.g. compaction). It is suggested that soils not <br />be worked when wet (especially soil high in clay fractions) or unnecessarily. <br />In general topsoil is in short supply due to the nature of the pre -1995 mining <br />of the pit (See Appendix G). Additional amendments to the stored or <br />stockpiled topsoil such as straw, organic waste products from the Vista Del <br />Sol Ranch (e.g. manure, old hay), or fertilizers could be used to enhance the <br />quality of the soils, although not necessary for success. The end product <br />could then be used to enhance marginal soils during a reclaim process. <br />Testing of the soils is paramount if synthetic fertilizers are to be used. <br />If the topsoil is seeded we suggest the options shown in Table 5. <br />If the area where topsoil was removed will potentially no longer be mined, <br />that a final reclamation procedure be implemented. <br />See Appendix A for further suggestions and recommendations on soils. <br />0 <br />-- 291 Page <br />I( -)R- 11OWLII c,1kAVI-I. t'11_ %I FA DILSOL. RAN('11 <br />E;� C.lilAY1)WIN' IN1IROM IINIAL;AN'D A(UIJA'1RS - IkWWGRI \I11ASININV IL,COAI <br />