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<br />Page 2 <br />John Hardaway <br />20 December 1994 <br />that are non-vegetated or below the effective rooting depth. The third factor relates to <br />the presence of active root growth to maintain the microbial population at acceptable <br />levels. For all practical purposes, the depth to which roots will maintain active microbial <br />populations in a stockpile is approximately five feet. With the presence of deep rooted <br />species (e.g. alfalfa) there is enough root mass at depths up to five feet to sustain a <br />microbial community. At depths greater than five feet, there does not appear to be <br />enough root activity to prevent the microbial population from declining. <br />It should also be noted that the effects discussed above vary in degree depending upon <br />the microbial species being considered. For example, microbial species that are <br />dependent upon host plants for their existence are impacted more negatively by the three <br />storage factors discussed than microbial species that are free-living in the soil <br />environment. Therefore, mycorrhizal fungi that live in a mutualistic relationship with plants <br />are more negatively affected by time of storage and lack of actively growing roots than <br />most bacteria and other fungal forms. <br />Based on this information, it does not appear to make any biological difference as to <br />whether a stockpile is constructed to a 10 foot depth or a 30 foot depth. It is unlikely that <br />any portion of the pile, except for the upper few feet, will be biological active after <br />approximately five years. <br />I hope this information helps. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any of this <br />information in more detail, please let me know. <br />Sincerely, <br />SHEPHERD MILLER, INC. <br />Edward F. Redente <br />Corporate Consultant <br />