Laserfiche WebLink
were designed to determine whether grasses could grow in processed <br />shale and processed shale ash (i.e., the processed shale with <br />the organic carbon residue burned off). However, financial and <br />engineering problems soon eliminated processed shale ash as the <br />medium in which it would be necessary to establish vegetation. <br />Haberman's studies did show that grasses could be established <br />in processed shale but their growth was less vigorous than--that <br />of plants grown in field soil. <br />Further research involving greenhouse and laboratory studies <br />was initiated at Colorado State University by Dr. W. R. Schmehl <br />of the Department of Agronomy in 1966. These studies continued <br />through 1969. <br />While the main thrust of these studies was to determine the chemical <br />and physical properties of processed shale, greenhouse experiments <br />were also conducted to assess plant growth. The greenhouse studies <br />• showed that germination and growth of the grasses used was less <br />than that experienced on a local Fort Collins area soil. Analyses <br />of processed shale showed it to be a poo"r growth medium when <br />compared to criteria for agricultural crops. <br />Due to the questions raised by Schmehl and the findings of Haberman, <br />Robert Bradshaw of TOSCO undertook the establishment of the "Garden <br />Plots" in 1967 near the Colony office buildings at Parachute Creek. <br />These plots, containing three to four feet of processed shale and <br />seeded with tall wheatgrass, were designed to test methods of over- <br />coming the undesirable characteristics of processed shale. From <br />th_e treatments used in the plots, it was concluded that acid, <br />fertilizer, mulch, and leaching treatments greatly enhanced tall <br />wheatgrass establishment. <br />_~- <br />In June of 1968, the semi-works plot was establ_i_shed at the semi- <br />works plant in Parachute creek. This work was conducted by <br />Dr. Lawrence Schaal, an independent consultant who was retired <br />• -- <br />E-18 <br />