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10 <br />• Soil MappinG Unit Interpretations °or Sources of Topsoil <br />These interpretations were developed to show the extent <br />and distribution of soils in terms of characteristics <br />important for planning a reclamation program. Soil mapping <br />units 1 through 5 are arranged from first to last in terms <br />of best to poorest source and suitability of topsoil. <br />SOIL MAPPING UNIT NO. 1 <br />This unit reflects the extent and location of soils <br />which offer the greatest potential for developing alterna- <br />tive reclamation procedures. Although the surface soils <br />are sandy and have a high susceptibility to wind erosion, <br />they comprise the most stable materials in terms of erosion <br />from the standpoint of organic matter content. The surface <br />layer and the layers in¢nediately below the surface to a <br />combined depth of approximately 30 inches would be consi- <br />dered as the best source of topsoil within the study area. <br />The subsoil (B horizon) materials also have favorable <br />topsoil material characteristics. From the standpoint of <br />texture, the subsoil materials would be less susceptible <br />to wind erosion than the surface materials of this unit. <br />However, because of the lower organic matter content in <br />the B horizon materials the wind erodibility potential can <br />be considered as being essentially the same as the A hori- <br />zon materials. The surface soils have a more favorable <br />soil fertility status. The use of these materials in the <br />development of a reclamation plan can be considered in <br />several ways: <br />1. The horizons salvaged separately and replaced in <br />order. <br />2. The A and B horizon salvaged and mixed together. <br />3. Use the above mixture for redistribution to other <br />areas where topsoil materials are inadequate. This <br />alternative would reduce the thickness of more <br />favorable soil conditions in the azeas where these <br />soils presently occur, but would enhance the soil <br />conditions in other areas. <br />4. Salvage "A" horizon materials separately from the <br />"B" horizon and use the "D" horizon materials to <br />underlie topsoil materials in areas where topsoil <br />materials are inadequate. <br />• Because of the distributional pattern of this unit with <br />respect to areas of other soils, there exists a good poten- <br />tial for maximizing the utilization of these materials in <br />the development of an overall reclamation plan. <br />