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~ Ms. Sandy Emrich • • <br />August I, 1983 <br />Page 4 <br />Orchard grass - aN ~ ~~ <br />Sheep fescue <br />Brame (mountain and smooth) <br />Canada bluegrass <br />Slender wheatgrass <br />Thickspike or streambank wheatgrass <br />Timothy <br />Intermediate wheatgrass <br />Alfalfa <br />Cicer milkvetch <br />Yellow sweetclover <br />Of the above species, orchard grass has had the best success of establishment, with sheep <br />fescue, brome, Canada bluegrass, and timothy intermediate in success. Some establish- <br />ment has occurred in areas that appear quite acid (i.e. - a "wet" surface appearance), but <br />in general the establishment, health, and vigor of all plants drops as the graded spoils <br />become more acid. <br />Soil sample 63083-4 is an example of spoils with acid conditions and no vegetation <br />establishment. Similarly, samples 63083-10, I I, and 12 show root growth stoppage of <br />plants growing in suitable material overlaying acid spoil material. Sample 63083-13 was <br />collected on a site that appeared quite acid.but had vegetation establishing periodically <br />throughout the site. Closer investigation showed that the roots were selectively growing <br />in The yellowish brown sandstone material and not in the dark gray shale material mixed <br />in with it. This indicates that in those areas where mixing of the overburden occurs, <br />plant establishment may be more successful. <br />As discussed earlier, the seedbed for plant establishment is generally poor due to the <br />physical and chemical properties of the spoil combined with steep slopes, exposure, and <br />aspect. Soil fertility is generally low and the plants show evidence of nutrient defi- <br />ciency. Because of the acid spoils, toxic elements may also be.affecting plant establish- <br />ment and growth. <br />In summary, acid spoil conditions have had a significant affect on plant establishment in <br />the "old Wolf Creek" area. Poor seedbed and growing conditions based on the physical <br />and chemical properties of the spoil, as well as topography of The graded areas, have also <br />contributed negatively To revegetation success. In areas of suitable plant growth media, <br />vegetation has established and is growing reasonably well. Some species have established <br />in acid spoils as well. <br />Based on these findings and the outcome of discussions from our meeting on August 16th, <br />it is hoped that recommendations and solutions may be properly developed to mitigate <br />problems in the "old Wolf Creek" area. <br />/" <br />r M..' .. s <br />