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• <br />Mountain Coal Company Exhibit 27 <br />West Elk Mine Characteristics of West Elk Mine Soil Mapping Units <br />Natural fertility levels for the soils of this unit are considered moderate. Total vegetative <br />production is lower than for some of the darker soils of comparable texture occttrrino at <br />higher elevations, but this is a function of soil moisture supply rather than nutrient level. <br />With the exception of nitrogen, no critical deficiencies of plant nutrients were noted in <br />the field. but the soil analysis indicates some evidence of phosphorus deficiency <br />(Exhibit 26). In their natural state, nitrogen supplies seem to be adequate but it any <br />operation involving the loss of the surface horizon (A horizon) is planned. a temporary <br />fertiitzation program including nitrogen and phosphorus would assist in rzvegetation <br />procedures. <br />Mapping Unit Number 6 - Shallow (less than 20 inches to bedrock), dark [o light <br />colored, loamy to clayey, undeveloped to moderately developed soils ranging in degree <br />of soil horizonation from soils with only slightly dazkened surface horizons to soils with <br />dark surface horizons and thin but moderately well developed subsurface horizons of <br />silicate clay accumulation. This complex group occurs in parts of the study area having <br />a mean summer soil temperature (June, July, and August averages measured at 20 inches <br />or at bedrock) of 59°F or warmer. <br />• <br />Classification of Major Com~nents -The components listed below comprise the major <br />part of the mapping unit: <br />A. Torriorthentic Haplustolls (Chestnut Regosols). <br />1. Loamy, mixed, mesic, shallow family. <br />(Treiona Series) <br />2. Clayey, montmorillonitic, mesic, shallow family. <br />(Series unknown) <br />B. Aridic Haplustolls (Chesnut Regosols). <br />1. Loamy, mixed, mesic, shallow family. <br />(Series unknown) <br />2. Clayey, montmorillonitic, mesic, shallow family. <br />(Series unknown) <br />C. Lithic Haplustolls (Chesnut Lithosol). <br />1. Loamy, mixed, mesic family. <br />(Santana Series) <br />2. Loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic family. <br />(Bailer Series) <br />(Oro Grande Series) <br />• D. Torriorthentic Haploboroll (Chernozemic Regosol). <br />1. Loamy, mixed, shallow. <br />(Series unknown) <br />Exhibit '7-7 <br />