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2.7.2.2 Chemical Characteristics <br />The chemical properties of overburden within the proposed permit area, have been <br />evaluated as though [he overburden was to be used as a medium for plant growth <br />even though all reclaimed areas will be adequately retopsoiled (refer to Sections <br />3.6.2.2 and 3.6.3.2). Of the parameters analyzed (see Tables 2.7-6 and 2.7-7), <br />the eight categorized as being most important are as follows: <br />1) nitrate-nitrogen <br />2) phosphorus <br />3) potassium <br />4) pH <br />5) specific conductance <br />6) exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) <br />7) sodium absorption ratio (SAR) <br />8) selected trace elements <br />• Each analysis is considered separately as to general information, range of <br />values, parameter limitation, and resulting potential problem areas within [he <br />proposed permit area. The data for each parameter was compared against current <br />agronomic standards. There are however, limitations involved when interpreting <br />data from reclaimed lands. For example, available soil-derived elements essen- <br />tial for plant growth originate primarily from the zone of maximum organic matter <br />accumulation. The concentration of these available forms usually decreases with <br />depth (notable exceptions can be Ca, Mg, and K) (Bauer, et.al, 1978). <br />Regraded overburden is variable in chemical properties, varying within a particu- <br />lar site as welt as among sites (ARS and 110. Dak. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Staff, <br />1915; Sandoval et.al, 1973). Through the stripping process, stratified materials <br />are mixed and, in general, inverted. With additional disturbance occurring as a <br />result of recontouring, a given characteristic within [he normal root zone can <br />vary significantly within a short distance, both horizontally and vertically. <br />Hence, standard soil testing procedures, and currently accepted agronomic stand- <br />. ands give a limited indication of the probable plan[ responses to measured para- <br />meters. <br />2-369 <br />