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• <br />SOILS REPORT, HONEYWOOD COAL CO. <br />We received 45 soil samples from J. E. Stover and Associates on July 2, 1992. The <br />samples represented soil taken from A, B and C horizons from several locations, and <br />were of varying thicknesses. The samples were composited to yield 12 final samples, <br />representing the 3 horizons from 4 locations Isee accompanying sample description <br />sheet). Physical and chemical tests were performed on them. The soils were dry <br />upon receipt. <br />Table 1 shows the salinity data of the samples as determined from saturated soil <br />pastes and their extracts. The electrical conductivities of the soils are low to medium, <br />and indicate that little salinity damage may result to vegetation in these soils. The <br />sodium adsorption ratios (SARI are low to medium; however, sample composite 1-C <br />has a high SAR. Sodium in western soils has the unique ability to electrically repulse <br />soil particles so that a crusting layer is formed in these soils. Calcium, on the other <br />hand, has a hydrated radius that is able to fit in between soil particles and exert a <br />flocculating force on the soil. Thus, the ratio of the 2 elements (plus magnesium) <br />determines to a large part of the physical property of a soil. The SAR is defined as: <br />SAR=(Nal/((Ca + Mgl/2)'~Z where the elements are described in milliequivalents per <br />liter from the saturated paste extract. An SAR greater than 15 indicates a sodium <br />• hazard. The high SAR is usually accompanied by a pH greater than 8.5. <br />The pH's of the soil samples are generally in an acceptable range for western soils. <br />Table 2 presents the physical characteristics of the soils. The textures of the soils are <br />generally a sandy loam in the upper portion of the profiles IA and B horizons), while <br />the C horizon is mostly a silt loam. Both textures are desirable and will present no <br />drainage problems to the vegetation, provided the water table of the area is greater <br />than 4' below the soil surface. The rock content of the soils is generally low (portions <br />not able to pass through a 1 mm sieve). Organic matter contents of the soils are also <br />on the low side. <br />The fertility of the soils as determined from an ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA extract <br />is shown in Table 3. The nitrogen and phosphorus levels are low, and a small <br />amendment of these should be helpful to re-establish vegetation. Potassium levels are <br />medium to high, and amendments should not be needed of this fertilizer element. <br />Iron is present in barely sufficient quantities; manganese, zinc and copper are present <br />in sufficient quantities to support plant growth. <br />Nitrogen may be added as ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) at the rate of about 200 <br />pounds of the material per acre; this will supply about 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre. <br />• Phosphorus may be added as ammonium phosphate (18-46-0) at the rate of 100 <br />pounds of the material per acre. Both of the materials should be worked into the soil <br />7-12 <br />