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recommendations of CDMG, each composite soil horizon sample was analyzed for pH, <br />electrical conductivity, percent organic matter, texture (percent sand, silt, clay), <br />estimated lime, nitrate nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium adsorption ratio <br />(SAR), calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, <br />molybdenum, and boron. Analysis results are presented in Table 3 for each horizon. <br />Analyses were made using standard extraction techniques for soil analysis. Nitrate <br />nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper were analyzed <br />through an ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA extract. Selenium and molybdenum were <br />analyzed through use of a hot water extract technique. Boron was evaluated using a <br />saturated paste technique. <br />Vegetation Sampling <br />Four vegetation parameters were sampled to evaluate the vegetative condition of the <br />study area. Vegetation cover, total herbaceous production, species composition, and <br />woody plant density were the parameters for which quantitative data were collected for <br />the historic record vegetation community. <br />Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular <br />point frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize <br />precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two <br />sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides <br />of the transect centerline, I.Sm apart. Transect direction was established randomly. In <br />no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of the study area boundary or - <br />disturbed areas (e.g., two track road, stock pond) to minimize impacts from "edge <br />effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transact (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />sample unit. Data points recorded the fast vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below <br />the instrument), bare ground, rock, or litter. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation were also <br />recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first <br />interception was used to calculate total cover values. Additional interceptions were <br />used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and IifeforTns. The <br />quantitative cover data also provided the basis for calculation of species composition. <br />Herbaceous Production <br />Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous <br />production plot was located and randomly oriented at the end of each cover transact. <br />Additional herbaceous quadrats were located randomly as described above. Herbaceous <br />production plots were 0.50 square meters in area. All current year above ground live <br />herbaceous plant biomass was clipped within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Perennial <br />-io- <br />