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<br />nitrogen, but the west side overburden and the east side <br />undisturbed samples each had very low nitrogen content. <br />The analysis of total phosphorus in each sample <br />seems to be very close, }iowever when taking the average <br />of the two overburden and undisturbed samples, there is a <br />significant difference. The average $ P in the undisturbed <br />region is .002 as compared with .0021% in the overburden. <br />'Phe hydrogen ion activity as measured in water, <br />shows a definate correlation between tl~e different soil <br />types. This correlation is an almost linear progression <br />from acidic to basic conditions in the overburden and <br />undisturbed areas respectively. See Table II. <br />IV. Discussion: The pH of the sampled regions is a very <br />important factor pertaining to the rate at which each suc- <br />cessive sere can approach the final climax community in a <br />stepwise manner. Tlie primary reason fir it's overall <br />importance is that the elements analyzed ('Pahle I) are made <br />more or less available because of each element's solubility. <br />The pH also has a direct effect on root cells (which affects <br />the uptake of nutrients and water). <br />Soils become more acid as a result of leaching of <br />the cations calcium, magnesium and potassium from the sub- <br />soil, and by removal of these cations by the growing <br />indicator species. As the cations are removed from soil <br />particles, the}• are re;~laced with acid-forming hydrogen <br />and aluminum ions. <br />The slightly alkaline condition of the undisturbed <br />areas increases the availability of calcium and magnesium, <br />w}:ile decreasing the availability of iron and zinc. Just <br />the opposite is true for the availability of these elements <br />in slightly basic conditons such as the overburden. <br />Phosphorus has the same relative availability in both con- <br />ditions. <br />As a [unction of pH it is possible that the <br />addition of calcium and magnesium to the overburden soil <br />ma;/ decrease the time it takes to support the climax <br />indicator species for the Woodland Shrub ecosystem that o;c <br />are involved with here. <br />V. Conclusions: 'Phe Woodland Shrub eco-system is typified as <br />a climax conununity consisting as a steady-state in which one <br />interacting components are in balance with one another. T`te <br />community consists of an association of juniper and pin or. <br />Dine usually with a grass understory. The area soil may he <br />described as shallow or very shallocr, stony and gravel out- <br />wash. The tree cover of juniper and ninon is the best iE <br />no*_ the only, ground cover for the best protection for <br />this kind of soil. Although these trees are of little <br />-4- <br />