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Five profiles, 87-wC-1, 87-W-1, 88-w-1, 88-Y-2, and 88-w-5 shooed evidence of moderate compaction in the lower soil horizon chile profile 88-W-3 showed evidence of moderate compaction at the soil/spoil interface. Root growth in the soil was matted and confined exclusively to vertical stress cracks created by soil pads/cl ods and rock fragments. Root growth was matted horizontally at the soil/spoil inter face of Site 88-4-3 with a few roots penetrating an additional 16 inches. Site productivity should not be significantly affected by the moderate compaction since roots were able to penetrate through or around ., the compacted zones. One profile, 88-W-4, had a volumetric rock fragment content in the loner spoil horizon that exceeded 60 percent. Although roots penetrated easily through and to a great depth in the fragmental zone, available eater-holding capacity will be very low. Excessive rock fragments which generally comprise a small percentage of the total wedge reclamation area, are generally confined [o small linear trough areas between adjacent spoil piles. The overall potential productivity and available eater-holding capacity will remain acceptable at this site since the upper three feet of the soil/spoil profile consists of silt loam soil and loam spoil each possessing good uater-h of ding characteristics. Available water-holding capacities of three to six inches per soil profile are considered to be • within the fair suitability classification for plant growth media (BLM, 1977; Schafer, 1979; Soil Survey Staff, 1983; OSMRE, 1985). Site 88-w-4 had an available water capacity of 6.1 inches. Vegetation at this site may show signs of stress during dry years. Similar shallow soils (Starman and Splitro) occur on upper convex s~deslopes and ridgetop landscapes in the premining environment. One wedge reclamation area, Site 88-w-1, had an unsuitable acid base potential value for the undisturbed weathered Lennox coal strata at 4.3 feet below [he surface. The available water-holding capacity of 5.2 inches for the upper 4.3 feet of this profile would be considered suitable. Vegetation at this site may show signs of stress during dry years. Similar shallow soils (Splitro and Starman) occur on the upper convex sideslopes and ridgetop landscapes in the premi ne environment. One wolf Creek profile, Site 87-wC-1, had a soil reaction value of 4.3 in [he spoil increment at 2.5 to 5.0 fee[. Very fine and fine roots were common to a depth of 4. 5 feet in this horizon. The soil reaction value of G.3 was not limiting to roo t growth act ivity. The 1991 field r oot description data and laboratory pH data indicate that a pH value of 5.0 at Seneca Mine may be too conservative when separating suitable and unsuitable spoil materials. 5