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Mountain Coal Company Exhibit ?7 <br />. West Elk Mine Characteristics of West Elk Mine Soil Mapping Units <br />Natural Fertility levels are above average with the exception of phosphorus which showed <br />some deficiencies by analysis tree Exhibit 26). Tillage operations that may destroy or <br />mix the soil horizons should be supplemented with a fertilization program consisting of <br />nitrogen and phosphorus to provide vigorous stands of Brass during reclamation. <br />Mapping Unit Number l7 - Moderately deep (20 to 40 inches to bedrock) and deep <br />(more than 40 inches to bedrock), lieht colored, fine textured (more than 35 percent <br />clay). well developed soils havine mature soil horizonation including horizons of silicate <br />clay accumulation IB?t horizons) and horizons of secondary carbonate and which occur <br />in parts of the study area where the mean summer soil temperature (June, July. and <br />August mean temperature measured at 20 inches) is 59"F or warmer. <br />Classification of Major Components -The components listed below comprise the major <br />part of the mapping unit: <br />A. Ustollic Haplargids (Brown Soils). <br />1. Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic family. <br />(Renohill Series) <br />• (Ulm Series) <br />(Aqua Ftia Series) <br />B. Borollic Haplargids (Brown Soils) <br />1. Fine, montmorillonitic family. <br />(Boetcher Series) <br />Extent and Major Areas of Occurrence - Mapping unit number 17 occurs in small <br />acreage in the West Elk study area and is found principally on the terraces and valley <br />filling sideslopes east and north of Minnesota Creek. <br />Characteristic Topography - Soils of this mapping unit occupy gently to moderately <br />sloping alluvial fans and valley filling side-slopes. Slopes are uniform ranging from <br />about two to 20 percent. <br />Physical Properties - The soils of mapping unit number 17 are mature soils having <br />distinct genetic horizonation and well developed, stable. natural soil structure. This soil <br />structure is essential to free movement of air and water. The texture of the soil is fine <br />(more than 35 percent clay), and therefore subject to puddling if handled wet and packing <br />if traversed with heavy equipment. <br />Careful management techniques should be used during disturbance of these soils. There <br />• is a narrow range of moisture content in which they can be handled without suffering loss <br />of physical properties. For this reason this unit is classified as moderately good for <br />seedbed material use. <br />Exhibit 27-12 <br />