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nitrogen, but the west side overburden and the east side undisturbed samples each had very low nitrogen con*_ent. The analysis of total phosphorus in each sample seems to be very close, ]lowever when taking the average of the two overburden and undisturbed samples, there is a significant difference. The average % P in the undisturbed region is .0023 as compared with .0021% in the overburden. Phe hydrogen ion activity as measured in water, shows a definate correlation between the different soil types. This correlation is an almost linear progression from acidic to basic conditions in the overburden and undisturbed areas respectively. See Table II. IV. Discussion: The pH of. the sampled regions is a very important factor pertaining to the rate at which each suc- cessive sere can approach the final climax communit}~ in a stepwise manner. The primary reason fir it's overall importance is that t}ie elements analyzed (Table I) are mace more or less available because of each element's solubility. The pH also has a direct effect on root cells (which affects the uptake of nutrients and water). Soils become more acid as a result of leaching of the cations calcium, magnesium and potassium from the sub- soil, and by removal of these cations by the growing indicator species. As the cations are removed from soil particles, the}• are re?~laced with acid-forming hydrogen and aluminum ions. The Tightly alkaline condition of the undisturbed areas increases the availability of calcium and rtiagnesium, while decreasing the availability of iron and zinc. Just the opposite is true for tl~e availability of these elements in slightl}• basic conc9itons such as the overburden. Fhosphorus has the same relative availability in both ccn- ditions. As a function of pH it is possible that the addition of calcium and magnesium to the overburden soil may decrease the time it takes to support the climax indicator species for the woodland Shrub ecosystem that ~.;c• are involved with here. V. Conclusions: The Woodland Shrub eco-system is typified as a climax community consisting as a steady-state in which uie interacting components are in balance with one another. The community consists of an association of juniper and pin or. pine usually with a grass understory. The area soil may be described as shallow or very shallow, stony and gravel out- wash. The tree cover of juniper and ninon is the best iE not the only, ground cover for the best protection for this kind of soil. Although these trees are of little -4-