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The ammonium form of nitrogen is not particularly mobile and is <br /> generally converted to the nitrate form through microbial action prior <br /> to plant absorption. The nitrate form of nitrogen is mobile and can be <br /> readily leached from surficial materials. Nitrite is an intermediate <br /> stage in the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. Field reports of <br /> nitrite toxicity are uncommon (Traynor, 1980) . <br /> Total nitrogen (nitrate plus ammonium) has been determined on overburden <br /> and interburden material from four Phase I locations at Nucla Mine <br /> (Tables 6-6 and 6-7) . In all instances, mean nitrogen values were in <br /> the deficiency zone (Figures 6-3 and 6-9) . Therefore, leaching of <br /> nitrogen will not be a problem. However, postmine plant communities may <br /> show nitrogen deficiency signs . The nitrate and ammonium analyses will <br /> be performed on regraded spoil and topsoil samples but these analyses <br /> were not justified for the Phase II overburden and interburden samples. <br /> Potassium and Phosphorous. These plant essential nutrients are not <br /> specifically included on Colorado's guideline list. However, since <br /> these analyses were performed on Phase I samples collected from Nucla <br /> Mine, a summary is presented. <br /> Potassium is a relatively abundant plant nutrient, but deficiencies do <br /> occur in coarse textured acid material that is subject to leaching. <br /> Excessive concentrations of potassium are rarely encountered (Sutton et <br /> al . , 1981) . Mean overburden and interburden potassium levels were <br /> suitable ranging from 79.7 to 187.1 ppm (Tables 6-6 and 6-7, Figures 6-3 <br /> and 6-9) . The lower levels of potassium were associated with sandstone <br /> and/or acidic strata. Potassium analyses are not justifiable at Nucla <br /> Mine. <br /> Adequate phosphorous levels are required for the development of deep <br /> extensive rooting systems. Mean overburden and interburden phosphorous <br /> concentrations ranged from 3.0 to 11.5 ppm (Tables 6-6 and 6-7) . The <br /> majority of mean phosphorous values are in the deficiency zone (Figures <br /> 6-3 and 6-9) . Phosphorous analyses will be determined on replaced <br /> topsoil and spoil in Mine Areas 1 through 5 at Nucla Mine. <br /> 6-37 Revised 3/6/87 <br />