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<br />1 <br />lJ <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />J U L i i 1985 <br />TOPSOIL P.EPORT, CRDA 112 <br />POWDERNORN COAL CO. ~ ; i r 1. ~fl~C <br />Powderhorn Coal Company's refuse pile (CRDA /12)has been <br />studied extensively for its capabilities to serve as topsoil for revegetation <br />purposes. Previous examinations showed the upper 4 to 5 feet of the horizon <br />suitable for use. <br />Scraping and stockpiling began during the week of June 3, 1985, and the <br />soil was placed into two piles. The area was monitored carefully beginning <br />June 5, 1985 at 3:30 p.m. for salinity. The stockpiles were monitored also. <br />Subsequent samplings occurred on June 6, 1985 at 7:30 a.m., June 7, 1985 at <br />6:30 a. m., and a final sampling of the entire area took place on June 12, 1985 <br />at 6:30 a.m. The samples were analyzed for electrical conductivity and sodium <br />adsorption ratios. In addition, the final samples were analyzed for fertility <br />and physical characteristics. <br />In general, the salinity content of the soil increased as the scraping <br />proceeded from west to east. Those samples taken from the area directly below <br />the steeper land to the east were highest with respect to salt. An <br />interesting phenomenon was observed where several damp spots were uncovered; <br />as the water evaporated, small salt crystals formed on the surface. Obviously <br />these areas are very saline, and the source of this water is not known. The <br />salt is sodic in nature. <br />The area is extremely diverse with respect to the soils formation from the <br />complex geology surrounding the area. Therefore, the salt levels were <br />variable throughout the area both vertically and horizontally. <br />1 <br />