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• - Neutralization Potential (NP) <br />- Acid-Base Potential (ABP) <br />DTPA extractable Copper (Cu ), Nickel (Mi), 2inc (2n), Cadmium (Cd ), Leed (Pb), Iron <br />(Fe), end Manganese (Mn) <br />These parameters were analyzed on the Yoest geologic strata to document the physical and <br />chemical properties of the overburden, [o compere these properties to ground we ter <br />quality, to develop effective and efficient overburden handling procedures, and to <br />determine potential reclamation success. Four constituents (total combustible solids, <br />nitrate nitrite, arsenic, and mercury) listed on the Colorado Yater quality and Overburden <br />Geochemistry Guidelines (CMLRD, 1982) were not included on the Phase 1 parameter list. <br />The following discussion deseribes the importance and applicability of each physical and <br />chemical test that was completed. Since portions of the overburden will be used as a root <br />growth medium beneath the topsoil, the words soil and overburden are used here <br />interchangeably. ] `/~ <br />~L5 <br />pN. Soil reaction (or pX) of the growth medium significantly affects the availability of <br />essential nutrients in addition to the solubility of potentially toxic ions. Soils with e <br />pX ranging from 7.5 to 8.4 contain alkaline earth carbonates and may be alkali. Soils <br />with a pX greeter than 8.5 ere nearly el ways alkali end contain a large percentage of <br />alkaline earth carbonates (USDA, 1951 and USDA, 7969), Soils with pN less than S.0 usually <br />contain solubilized aluminum and excessive amounts of other heavy metal trace elements <br />which ere soluble under acid conditions. Total nutrient availability is greatest for <br />neutral to slightly acid soils within a pX range of 6.5 - 7.0 (Donahue et al., 1977; USDA, <br />1951; and Yalsh, 1972). <br />Conductivity (Salinity). Salinity is normally not measured tlirectly es a soil test. The <br />electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil solution is measured and taken as an indication <br />of salt level. Soluble salts influence the quantity of water available to plants and <br />total dissolved solids concentration in ground water. Nigh salts cause en osmotic <br />pressure barrier to the soil root system interface and inhibit water and nutrient movement <br />into the plant. The tolerance of plants to high soil salt levels is species dependent end <br />has been well documented (USDA, 1969 end Doneh ue et aL., 1977). Salinity levels are most <br />critical during germination end most detrimental in ho[ dry climates and on south facing <br />• slopes than in other landscape positions. <br />17 <br />