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1 <br />2.3 Vegetation Species Identification <br />' Plants were identified in the field by use of a species specific four or five letter <br />acronym. For plant species whose identification was in doubt, voucher specimens were <br />collected and pressed or frozen for laboratory identification. Post-sampling <br />identification and verification of plant identities was performed by Dr. William A. <br />' Weber, Professor Emeritus and former Curator of the University of Colorado, Boulder <br />Herbarium. <br />2.4 Roadside Refuse Disposal Area Test Plot Soil Sampling and Analysis <br />A sail sample site was randomly selected within each of the ten soil depth treatment <br />' plots within the study area (Figures 2-4). Soil samples were collected from soil pits at <br />six (6) inch intervals (0-6", 6-12", 12-18", 18-24") at each of the 6", 12", and 24" soil <br />depth plots. At the 48" test plot within Test Plot 1, soil samples were taken at six inch <br />t intervals from 0-24" depth, and at twelve inch intervals (24-36", 36-48") between 24 <br />and 48" depth. Approximately lkg of soil material was removed for each sample. <br />' Samples were placed in inert polystyrene bags for storage and transport. All samples <br />were stored in a cool, dry location until analysis. <br />' Soil samples were delivered to Colorado State University's Soil Testing Laboratory for <br />analysis. Appropriate chain of custody procedures were followed. All soil samples <br />were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), <br />' Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Soil samples <br />were analyzed using methodologies and procedures recommended by the Colorado <br />Division of Minerals and Geology (Wyoming DEQ, 1989). <br />2.5 1993 Vegetation Comparisons: Test Plots and Reference Area <br />Vegetation characteristics of the three Test Plots and the North and South Areas were <br />compared to those of the Shadscale Shrubland Reference Area through tables and <br />computer-derived charts and graphs (Microsoft Excel). Each Test Plot Treatment <br />Depth (6", 12", 24", 48") was independently compared to the value of the equivalent <br />parameter from the Reference Area. Determination of success for cover and <br />herbaceous production was derived from these comparisons. Where necessary and <br />appropriate, Students t tests (Zar, 1974, CDMG, 1988) were employed to evaluate <br />equivalency of mean values between Reference Area parameter values and those of a <br />Test Plot Treatment. <br />Species composition and diversity was evaluated through drrect comparison of the <br />number and identity of species and lifeforms encountered in the Reference Area and <br />Test Plots (including North and South Areas). Species composition was evaluated in <br />terms of total species presence and presence of species comprising greater than 34'0 <br />relative cover. <br />11 <br />