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<br />V. SOIL SUITABILITY FOR RECLAMATION <br />Suitability of the soil types and horizons of the SGFA for use in reclamation is <br />determined by evaluating the physical and chemical characteristics of each soil horizon. <br />Montana (1988), Wyoming (1989), Utah (1988), and New Mexico (1989) mining and <br />reclamation regulatory agencies have developed guidelines which assess the physical <br />and chemical parameters of soils to be used for reclamation. Table 3 lists the soil <br />parameter threshold suspect values established for soil suitability for reclamation, and <br />recounts the range in values for each parameter encountered in the SGFA. <br />SOIL HORIZONS SUITABLE FOR RECLAMATION <br />Soil types of the SGFA have few limitations for reclamation based on a comparison of <br />the specific parameter values in Tables 1, 2 and 3. Surface A horizons in the Work <br />loam, Beenom-Absazokee(1), Beenom-Absazokee(2), Fluvent(1), and Torriorthent(1) <br />soils aze suitable for use as a plant growth medium in reclamation, based on the criteria <br />in Table 3. The B horizons of the Work loam, Beenom-Absazokee(1), Beenom- <br />Absazokee(2), Fluvent(1), Fluvent(2), and Torriorthent(1) aze also suitable for use as <br />plant growth material. <br />Generally, limitations for use of the soils in reclamation are manifested in the B/C or C <br />horizons. These limitations include low organic matter content (Work loam B/C, <br />Beenom-Absazokee(1) C, Fluvent(1) C, Fluvent(2) C, and Torriorthent(3) B/C) and <br />high clay content (Beenom-Absazokee(1) B/C, Torriorthent(3) B/C, and Beenom- <br />Absazokee(2) B). The majority of sample locations encountered rock fragments which <br />effectively defined the depth of the weathered parent material. Limitations for use as <br />plant growth medium extend to those soils where significant rock fragments were <br />encountered in the horizon (T'orriorthents, and shallow Beenom-Absazokee <br />associations). <br />J <br />Based on field observations, laboratory analysis, and evaluation based on regulatory <br />guidelines, the following soil A horizons aze recommended for salvage and use as <br />topsoil at the SGFA; Work loam, Beenom-Absazokee association, Fluvents, and <br />Torriorthents. The following B horizons are also recommended for salvage; Work <br />loam, Beenom-Absazokee, Fluvents, and Torriorthents. B/C horizons and C horizons <br />are not recommended for salvage for use as plant growth medium in reclamation. <br />-13- <br />