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• <br />C~ <br />without continued dependence on irrigation, soil amendments or <br />• fertilizer, and is at least equal in extent of cover to the natural <br /> vegetation of the surrounding area." Please demonstrate that the <br />vegetation being planted will maintain itself and regenerate without <br />continued dependence on soil amendments or fertilizer. In other words, <br />since there is no organic matter in the growth medium to be used <br />and none will be added, show proof that the soil will be able to <br />provide all necessary nutrients. <br />RESPONSE F2. We fully agree that the organic deficiency <br />in the soil presents problems for sustained growth and development <br />of the vegetation. This condition, though, is no different from <br />the condition that occurs when any spoil material is to be reclaimed, <br />or, for that matter, when natural processes establish vegetation <br />on fresh disturbances such as landslides or the material resulting <br />• from large volcanic eruptions that create completely new land <br />surface. In all these cases any organic matter content must <br />originate from sources outside the area and be transported by wind or <br />water or possibly animals. But essentially the organic matter at this <br />initial stage is very low and nutrient cycling very precariously <br />balanced. <br />In natural situations where annual weeds do not occur, such <br />as many isolated oceanic islands, the first plants to arrive are either <br />excellent nitrogen fixers or plants that are adapted to survive on <br />strictly mineral soil. These plants initiate the cycling by either <br />adding organic matter or nitrogen fixing products (or both) that open <br />the way for other species with less pioneer type requirements. <br />CJ <br />P-I-13* <br />