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Mountain Coal Company Exhibit 27 West Elk Mine Characteristics of West Elk Mine Soil Mapping Units The soils of this unit are medium to moderately fine textured and are subject to packing if traversed by heavy machines, or to irreversible puddling if they are handled wet. The} can be worked over a moderate range of soil moisture, but any work involving relocation of the soils will require good management to insure continued good physical conditions. These soils are considered good sources of seedbed materials. The soils of this unit have moderate shrink/swell ratios. Total potential extensibility for a 40-inch section ranses from 0.8 to 2.0 inches. In their natural state. [hese soils are not subject to accelerated erosion by either wind or water unless natural vegetation has been destroyed or depleted. If cleared and disturbed. they are moderately susceptible to mass movement especially when very wet. Chemical ProQerties and Natural Fertility - These soils are moderately weathered, maturely developed units having genetic soil horizons of silicate clay accumulation (B2t horizons) but normally lacking horizons of secondary carbonate accumulation. The soil solum (A and B horizons) is neutral to mildly alkaline in reaction while the C horizon is neutral to moderately alkaline and may contain some free carbonate. Under such conditions, the cation exchange complex (portion of the soil having an ability to hold and exchange cations) is base saturated with the calcium cation, but there is not enough free calcium and magnesium carbonate to seriously depress the availability of other plant nutrients. Natural fertility levels are high in the upper horizons of the soil, gradually decreasing with depth as organic content decreases. Nitrogen supplies and availability are closely related with the amount and decomposition of soil organic matter. Any practice that alters the amount of soil organic matter or causes more rapid decomposition of organic matter will directly affect nitrogen levels in the soil. No evidence of deficiencies of essential plant nutrients or trace elements is noted. but evidence of borderline phosphorus deficiency is indicated by the soil analysis (see Exhibit 26). Temporary fertilization programs for disturbed areas that are being revegetated should include supplemental additions of nitrogen and phosphorus to insure the best possible seedling growth and vigor. Mappine Unit Number X30 -This mapping unit has the same description as mapping unit number 30. Exhibit 2 i-23