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.•-},. <br />~v ~` <br />APdALYSIS OF CHEMICAL L'LEMEN'P CONTENT OF <br />SOI L IM1IYORTANT TO PLAN Z' GROWTH ~ <br />Bio-Systems Research <br />I. Purpose: It is the purpose of this investigation to evaluate <br />the soil to the east and west of the U.S. Soil quarry for re- <br />establishing native vegetation. Vegetative reconstruction is <br />necessary due to the disturbance or distruction of tl,e ~4ood- <br />lai~d Shrub community surrounding the quarry site. The physiog- <br />nomy of tl~e Woodland Shrub area is defined as an open stand <br />of deciduous or evergreen trees covering 25 to 60 per cent of <br />the ground an:9 witlZ undergrowth of grassland or desert vegeta- <br />tion. <br />T!zis environment is being profoundly changed by the <br />mining activities in the area. In order to study this alter- <br />ation in physical characteristics of the local environment it <br />is necessary to evaluate t}ie degree of change the environment <br />teas undergone during tlt: mining operations. This is first <br />accomplished by analyzing the soils involved for chemical <br />d ements that are known to be important to establish and <br />maintain plant growth. A comparison of the composition of <br />soils that was undisturbed and the overburden that was placed <br />over the surface are the basis for evaluating the change in <br />soil environment. <br />From these results, and an evaluation of the envi- <br />ronmental characteristics of the Woodland Shrub area generally, <br />a reasonable expectation of re-establishment of the native <br />vegetation on the modified soil zones is presented. <br />Ii. "4ettiods: Several analytical methods are employed in the <br />evaluation of chemical element composition of the soil. <br />'t'hey are as follows: <br />1) Kjeldahl method for evaluation of total nitroyen present <br />in sample. <br />DO NOT DRY YOUR SAMPLE. Weigh triplicate samples of .5 y. <br />each on qualitative filter paper. Wrap the samples well and <br />drop each into a clean, dry 800 ml Kjeldahl f1asY.. <br />DIGESTION. Add to tha flask 15 g of powdered anhydrous <br />K2SOq and a small crystal of CuSO4. Support the flask at an <br />angle on a ring stand IN 'PHE HOOD. Add 25 ml conc H25Oq, DO <br />\OT SWIRL. Insert a Hengar tube in the neck (clean }lenyar <br />tube with avatar and dry it beforehand). Heat the mixture <br />over a Tirril burner flame. Continue the heating and turning <br />until the liqui3 is clear, and heat for an additional hour. <br />Allow the flasks to cool to room temperature in the hood. <br />