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the terrace area. Prior to vegetation sampling, no significant grazing had occurred on <br />the study azea. <br />Soil Sampling <br />Soil mapping of the area (USDA, 1980) indicated that there was only one soil map unit <br />present within the study azea (Absazokee-Work loams). Two soil sampling locations <br />were selected within the historic record study area. These sample locations were <br />selected to represent the variation within the soil map unit within the study area. <br />Soil Test Pits <br />At each sample location a soil test pit was dug. Construction of the test pit employed a <br />2'~ inch (I. D.) AMS bucket auger to remove organic litter and detritus and the topsoil <br />and subsoil horizons (A and B horizons). Depth of the test pit was extended until the <br />limit of the bucket auger was reached (74 inches). <br />On field sheets the salient features of each test pit were recorded. For each test pit the <br />general location, physiography, plant community, and degree of disturbance were <br />noted. A diagram of each test pit was sketched, with observations on the character of <br />each soil horizon. For each horizon the following field characteristics were recorded; <br />depth and thickness of the horizon, boundary distinctiveness, Munsell color (wet), <br />texture, structure, consistence, presence of roots and size, presence of pores, and other <br />pertinent information. <br />Aker recording information on each soil horizon of the test pit, samples of each <br />horizon were collected. Samples were obtained by digging into the exposed wall of the _ _ <br />test pit within the confines of each horizon, collecting approximately 1 liter of sample <br />and storing it in a plastic bag. Caze was taken to obtain representative samples of each <br />horizon, throughout the vertical extent of each horizon. Soil samples were labeled with <br />the map unit, sample number, horizon, date, and sampler. <br />After completion of field sampling, soil samples were compared by color, texture, <br />appearance, and other visible characteristics. Soil samples were then grouped <br />according to similaz physical features. Soil samples were composited by soil horizon, <br />and the composite horizon sample was separately bagged, labeled and delivered to the <br />Colotado State University Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory in Fort Collins, <br />Colorado for analysis. In all, three soil horizon samples were analyzed from the <br />historic record study area. <br />Soil Analysis <br />Soil sample analysis was conducted by the Colorado State University Soil, Water, and <br />Plant Testing Laboratory. Chain of custody was maintained for all samples from the <br />time of sampling to delivery to the laboratory for analysis. Based on the <br />-9- <br />