REP44072

• Permit No: C1981041
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 8/31/1993
• Doc Name: POWDERHORN COAL CO ROADSIDE REFUSE DISPOSAL AREA FIELD TRIAL EVALUATION OF TEST PLOT VEGETATION AND
• Permit Index Doc Type: REVEG MONITORING REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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2.6 Vegetation Comparisons: 1986, 1988 and 1993 Vegetation Sampling

Vegetation characteristics of the three Test Plots and the North and South Areas were
evaluated over time through tables and computer-derived charts and graphs (Microsoft
' Excel). Additionally, the Test Plots were compared to Reference Area vegetation
parameter values for their respective years. Each Test Plot Treatment Depth (6", 12",
24", 48") from each sampling year was independently compared to the value of
subsequent sampling year parameters to identify any trends in vegetation development.
Notation of revegetation success for cover and herbaceous production was evaluated by
' sampling year.
Species composition and diversity was evaluated through direct comparison of the
' number and identity of species and lifeforms encountered in the Reference Area and
Test Plots (including North and South Areas) over time. Species composition was
evaluated in terms of total species presence and presence of species comprising greater
' than 3% relative cover.
2.7 1993 Soil Comparisons: Test Plots

Soil samples from each Test Plot were tested for pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
' calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR).
Twenty seven soil samples were collected and analyzed. Soil chemical characteristics
of the three Test Plots were compared and contrasted through tables and computer-
derived charts and graphs (Microsoft Excel). Pazameters for each Test Plot treatment
' depth (6", 12", 24", 48") were independently graphed to determine any trends in
chemical distribution within the Test Plot soil columns. Of particular concern was
' whether salt migration was occurring within the soil column over time.
2.8 Soil Comparisons: 1986, 1988, 1993 Sampling
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to determine its suitability for use in the Test Plots. Initial soil sampling evaluated
' chemistry, fertility, and texture, and occurred in 1983. After Test Plot construction,
soil sampling was undertaken to evaluate potential salt migration within the Test Plot
soils in 1986 and 1988. Sampling again evaluated chemistry and fertility. Sampling
' in 1993 evaluated soil chemistry within the Test Plots to identify and evaluate any long

1 term trends in soil ion movement.
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