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C:\JI-IB\TFAM\RATONCREEK\SOQANAL.DOC 2 <br />The lab analyses does not show other parameters as toxic or limiting, however, the high percentage of <br />coarse material and the lack of soil structure make this slope very erosive. Methods to improve the soil <br />structure would include additional topsoil importation or incorporation of organic amendments. <br />In Reclamation of Drastically Disturbed Lands, Schaller and Sutton (1981), Revegetation techniques <br />for dry regions, recommends, "Organic amendments also improve soil structure and water-holding <br />capacity, and provide plant nutrients. Mixing of [the] sewage sludge, manure, and other amendments <br />high in organic matter appears to be almost as suitable for plant growth as replacement of topsoil." <br />The backfilled Mine No. 2 portal slope shows evidence of accelerated erosion, as observed by the <br />preponderance of rill and gully formation. The portion of the slope that received topsoil does no[ <br />develop rills in the same proportion. It would appear that the lack of soil and the high percentage of <br />coarse material contributes to the erosivity of this slope. <br />Rule 4.15.1(2)(b) is not currently being achieved, on this portion of the reclamation. Rule 4.06.4(2)(d) <br />requires that topsoil or other [plant growth] materials are protected from wind and water erosion after <br />seeding and planting. This rule is not being achieved on the backfilled Mine No. 2 portal area. <br />C:/j hb/team/ra[oncreek/topsoi Isub. doc <br />2 <br />