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Experimental Procedures/Methodologies: <br />Study Design: Based on these important finding, several new questions regarding <br />aspen growth and survival on reclaimed lands arose, and follow-up research is <br />proposed. These questions will be investigated in experiments to be conducted on the <br />same 11-W Mine plots, Seneca Coal Company, near Hayden, CO where the 2005 <br />experiments were conducted (Figure 12). Our intention is to utilize the existing study <br />design and sampling regime to collect second and third year survival and growth data <br />from trees sampled in 2005. Because funds from the OSM grant will not be awarded <br />until August, 2006, we intend to ask Seneca Coal Company to support data collection <br />for the 2006 growing season and utilize OSM funds for 2007 data collection and <br />publication of a final report. Details of operation of the irrigation system, types of <br />planted aspen studied and sampling procedures will remain as previously described. <br />Deviations and additions to the original study design are described below. <br />Irrigation Treatments: Based on findings from 2005, irrigation treatments will be <br />applied differently during the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. Treatments will be <br />applied at 0.0, 0.15, 0.3, or 0.6 gallons each day of treatment, one-half of the rate <br />applied in 2005. Also, frequency of irrigation will be reduced from every day to every <br />other day. Irrigation treatments will be discontinued during natural rain events at <br />intensities exceeding the treatment level. Irrigation treatments will be adjusted mid- <br />season if necessary to adapt to seasonal conditions. <br />Growth of transplanted rooted sprouts in the second and third year: Some of the <br />transplanted aspen in the irrigation plots had apparent dead tops after the first year. It <br />is expected that some of these will grow back from root sprouts. We will examine <br />second and third year survival and re-growth of these trees that died back from injury <br />or disease the first year. It is expected that surviving plants should do well in the <br />second year following first year transplant shock. Survival and growth in the third year <br />would enhance long term survival. Growth and survival of natural sprouts and potted <br />plants will also be examined in the second and third years. Growth and survival in the <br />third year should give an indication of possible long-term survival. <br />Differences in soils: There were rather dramatic differences between the two soil <br />treatments for many of the attributes measured in the 2005 experiment. As such, it is <br />important that differences between the two soil treatments be fully described. Soil <br />samples from the two treatments will be collected and analyzed for organic matter and <br />nutrient content, water holding capacity, chemical, and physical properties. At a <br />minimum, we will include procedures for representative sampling and analysis of soil <br />texture and fertility (organic matter, pH, N, P, K, CEC) by 1 foot depth increments <br />within each soil treatment. Analysis will include the initial 1 foot increment of <br />overburden beneath the replaced soils. We will also conduct in-situ sampling of soil <br />bulk density and periodically collect and oven-dry soil samples to augment data from <br />soil moisture sensors. In addition, we will ask Seneca staff to document the methods <br />and timing of soil salvage, length of storage and approximate dimensions of any <br />storage piles, and timing and methods of transport, placement, and final grading for <br />each of the two soil treatments. <br />Given the growth differences observed on the two soil types in 2005, it is <br />important to quantify how the replaced soil differs from natural soils on the Seneca II- <br />11 <br />