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W Mine. We propose to collect samples of undisturbed soil under aspen stands in undisturbed areas of the mine and subject them to the same analysis described above. In addition, differences in soil conditions between reclaimed soils in the study area and those under nearby undisturbed aspen clones will be quantified by comparing physical and nutrient characteristics of soil samples from both the normal and augmented reclaimed soils to those of the nsitural soils. Sampling of the soils under native in place aspen stands will extend to the same depth investigated in the reclaimed soils on the study plot. Effects of reclamation on soil moisture regimes will be investigated by monitoring soil moisture during the growing season in undisturbed clones to that of un-irrigated portions of the study site. Water Chemistry: White salt deposits were observed around some of the irrigated treatments in 2005, leading to the question of whether these salts were leached from the re-deposited topsoil, or were present in the irrigation water. In addition to the soil chemistry tests described above, we propose to periodically test irrigation water salinity (conductivity) and root zone saturated paste extract conductivity throughout the growing season. To contrast any differences in chemical composition of irrigation water hauled to the site versus that available to native aspen, we propose to compare the above samples to water obtained from any springs, streams, or other water sources near undisturbed aspen stands and to soil samples collected from those stands. Soil samples will be analyzed for texture and fertility (organic matter, pH, N, P, K, CEC) by a contract soils testing laboratory using standardized methods and protocols for those processes. Root zone soil samples obtained periodically during the growing season will also be submitted to the :>oils testing laboratory for determination of saturated paste extract conductivity. Root growth: Aspen is a relatively short-lived disease and injury susceptible tree that relies on periodic re-sprouting from lateral roots to maintain its presence on a site (Shepperd 2005). Therefore, the development and lateral extension of new roots is critical for the ultimate survival and re-establishment of any aspen planted on mined lands. We propose to quantify new root developrcient since planting by excavating randomly selected surviving plants examined during the 2005-2006 growing seasons and washing soil from the roots to quantify total root biomass and new root growth. Trees will be chosen from each of the different irrigation, soil, and transplant treatments studied. Soil will be carefully loosened and roots exposed by washing soil away with a high pressure water jet. Once roots are exposed, the spread of any lateral roots away from the planting site will be measured. Root masses will be separated by size class and total below-ground biomass measured using water-displacement picnometry. New growth will be measured on all excavated root tips. It is particularly crucial to see if roots have extended beyond the planting hole for transplants or beyond the potting mix for potted aspen. This root extension is necessary for survival of the trees and the ultimate re-establishment of natural aspen clones. Phvsioloaical status: Monitoring of leaf water potential during 2005, a wet growing season, indicated that varying irrigation treatment did not affect leaf water stress condition of the plants. However, additional physiological conditions of the plant that affect growth and survival are unknown. Other physiological conditions, such as stomata) conductance, photosynthesis, and respiration, may show response to 12