Laserfiche WebLink
<br />J <br />\J <br />., <br />• <br />ATTACHM1tENT 6 <br />This topsoil is a valuable asset in a mining operation. <br />A cover of topsoil on the overburden will increase the rate of water <br />infiltration in those areas where the overburden has a low rate of water infil- <br />tration. This property of the topsoil will increase the storage of water in <br />the root zone for plants and reduce runoff that may cause erasion. Topsoil <br />will help establish a grass cover of vegetation because it provides moisture, <br />good tllth and structure, and plant nutrients. Topsoil will aid in establishing <br />shrubs and generally increase the effectiveness of revegetation procedures. <br />Topsoil will alleviate any soluble salt problems with the overburden because <br />the roots can obtain moisture from the topsoil and the salts will gradually <br />leach below the. root zone. <br />The problems anticipated with some portions of the weathered overburden <br />can be eliminated or reduced by saving the topsoil so it can be spread over <br />the overburden before revegetation is initiated. A cover of topsoil will not <br />overcome all the potential erosion hazards, however, because a vegetative cover <br />is needed fora firm protection against erosion. Grass roots are the most <br />effective in binding the soil to prevent erosion, but other preventive steps <br />may be needed until grass becomes established. <br />19 <br />