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2002 Soil Sampling: Seneca Mine, Hayden Colorado <br />Vegetation- Vegetation was observed qualitatively for vigor, color, growth form, and <br />overall vegetative appearance both above and below ground. Above ground plants <br />were observed for ground cover density, basal area, growth form vigor, color and <br />height. Below ,ground plant roots were observed for vigor, abundance, size, <br />distribution, and depth of penetration. A general site photo was taken at each <br />sample location along with a photo of the vegetation taken vertically from a height of <br />7 feet with a '/a meter square frame laid on the ground as a comparative background. <br />Results <br />Results for the Seneca II follow: <br />10 sites were sampled in the east central portions of the mine area. Site Photos are <br />in Appendix I, field descriptions are in Appendix III, and lab data is in Appendix II. <br />Topsoil- Topsoil in all sample pits classifies as suitable topsoil (Appendix III, Table <br />1). The results follow: <br />Depth- The average depth of topsoil is 10.9 inches (.9 feet). Depth of topsoil <br />ranges 6 to 16 inches (.5 to 1.33 feet). <br />. Textures- Textures are loams and a clay loam. Clay content averages 21 <br />percent and ranges 16 to 31 percent, sand content averages 34 percent and <br />ranges 28 to 39 percent. Silt content averages 45 percent and ranges 39 to <br />50 percent. <br />Rock Fragments- Rock fragments average 15 percent and ranges 0 to 25 <br />percent. Rock Fragments are predominantly gravel size (2mm to 75mm) of <br />sedimentary origin, primarily sandstone. <br />Structure- The topsoil in the sample pits range quite a bit in structure from <br />fine granular, moderate and coarse platy to fine, medium and coarse sub- <br />angular blocky. The resultant structure and depth of the structure is consistent <br />with a mechanically disked layer that was moderately compacted and is <br />evolving to a more natural soil. Vegetation analysis discussed below did not <br />indicate that such structure is presenting a problem to plant growth. <br />Consistence- The dry consistence of the upper topsoil layer is slightly hard to <br />soft. Moist consistence is friable to very friable. Dry consistence indicates <br />slight compaction through the use of mechanical equipment for soil <br />redistribution. Vegetation analysis discussed below did not indicate that such <br />consistence is presenting a problem to plant growth. <br />.. <br />Page 2 of 5 01/28/03 <br />