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Two othersources of nitrogen are associated with the mining operation. First, anammonium-based foam which is asodium-free-alcohol fatty acid is used during exploration drilling and overburden core drilling, when absolutely necessary, to maintain better circulation of water and cuttings (Peabody Coal Company, 1987). Second, ammonium nitrate is mixed with fuel oil and the mixture is used to load blasting holes ahead of the mining operation (Reeder and Sabey, 1987). Boron. This essential plant micronutrient serves as an activator in numerous enzyme systems (Donahue, et al., 1977). Boron is needed by plants in only very minute amounts and the range between boron deficiency and boron excess is not great. If present in excess concentrations, plant toxicity symptoms may appear. Also as pH decreases, the solubility and the potential for boron toxicity increases. Elevated boron levels are frequently found in arid soils where salts have accumulated near the surface. High levels of calcium in the soil decrease the severity of boron toxicity (Traynor, 1980). Molybdenum and Selenium. Some native plants tend to accumulate high levels of molybdenum and selenium in their tissues. High levels of selenium are often associated with primary and secondary indicator plants (USDA, 1957). Elevated molybdenum levels often occur in legumes • (especially white sweet clover) which require it for nitrogen fxation (Neuman and Munshower, 1983). Although these elements are essential for animals, when over ingested by the grazing animals, molybdenum or selenium toxicity may occur (Donahue et al., 1977). Molybdenosis is especially acute ai low copper concentrations and is felt by some to be molybdenum induced copper deficiency. It is usually corrected by supplementing feed rations with copper. Manganese and Iron. Manganese with the aid of iron (Tiedemann and Lopez,1982), are catalysts in the synthesis or production of chlorophyll. Manganese and iron deficiencies are of major concern in reclamation situations where soils are calcareous or have an alkali pH (lime-induced chlorosis). Iron deficiencies are also induced by high concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, and Ni in acidic soils. Manganese toxicity is more common than manganese deficiency. Manganese toxicities have been documented in poorly-drained soils and extremely acid soils with pH levels below 5.0. Liming the soil causes a lowering in the solubility of manganese and presumably brings the iron and manganese into better balance in relation to plant requirements. Documented cases of iron toxicity are rare and appear to be limited to flooded soils (Barth et al., 1981). Extremely high levels of iron often are not toxic but cause imbalances or interfere with the uptake of other essential nutrients. • Revised 27 Aug 2002 17 '