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Soil Information for All Uses <br /> Suitability and Limitations for Use <br /> The Suitability and Limitations for Use section includes various soil interpretations <br /> displayed as thematic maps with a summary table for the soil map units in the <br /> selected area of interest.A single value or rating for each map unit is generated by <br /> aggregating the interpretive ratings of individual map unit components. This <br /> aggregation process is defined for each interpretation. <br /> Construction Materials <br /> Construction materials interpretations are tools designed to provide guidance to <br /> users in selecting a site for potential source of various materials. Individual soils or <br /> groups of soils may be selected as a potential source because they are close at <br /> hand, are the only source available, or they meet some or all the physical or <br /> chemical properties required for the intended application. Example interpretations <br /> include road fill, sand and gravel, topsoil and reclamation material. <br /> Topsoil Source <br /> Topsoil is used to cover an area so that vegetation can be established and <br /> maintained. The surface layer of most soils is generally preferred for topsoil <br /> because of its content of organic matter. Organic matter greatly increases the <br /> absorption and retention of moisture and nutrients for plant growth. <br /> The upper 40 inches of a soil is evaluated for use as topsoil.Also evaluated is the <br /> reclamation potential of the borrow area. Normal compaction, minor processing, and <br /> other standard construction practices are assumed. <br /> The soils are rated "good," "fair,"or"poor"as potential sources of topsoil. The <br /> ratings are based on the soil properties that affect plant growth; the ease of <br /> excavating, loading, and spreading the material; and reclamation of the borrow <br /> area. Toxic substances, soil reaction, and the properties that are inferred from soil <br /> texture, such as available water capacity and fertility, affect plant growth. The ease <br /> of excavating, loading, and spreading is affected by rock fragments, slope, depth to <br /> a water table, soil texture, and thickness of suitable material. Reclamation of the <br /> borrow area is affected by slope, depth to a water table, rock fragments, depth to <br /> bedrock or a cemented pan, and toxic material. <br /> 16 <br />