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2.04.9 Soils Resource Information Much of the area within the permit boundary to be disturbed by mining is covered by soils that provide an excellent source of plant growth media. They are deep, dark brown loam and clay loam soils with physical and chemical properties that are generally well suited for revegetation. The percentage of organic: matter is suitable; the cation exchange capacity is normal to high; the soil texture and structure is adequate for moisture retention and aeration; the salt content is low; and the sodium absorption ratio is low. A portion of the area is covered by soils that are comparatively less desirable because they are shallow and stoney, or have subsurface soils that are heavy clays with a hard columnar structure and sticky, plastic properties. The soils in the permit area are extremely variable, depending upon slope, aspect, parent material, and location on the slope. Soil series mapping and descriptions are presented for use in generalized volume calculations and general reclamation potential evaluations. The soils within each series are so variable that on the ground staking of each soil series would not be useful for topsoil removal, and would most likely result in a poor job of topsoil removal. Actual soil removal is determined at each site by close coordination between reclamation personnel and equipment operators. The potential of each soil for use in reclamation is essentially the same as its current potential. The shallow rocky or clay soils that currently produce very little vegetation will not be very useful for reclamation purposes, and the deep loamy soils will provide an excellent • source of plant growth media. It is quite possible that the overall productivity of the area to be mined could be increased. During the topsoil removal process, the smaller amounts of poorer soils will become mixed with good soils, and currently unproductive areas may become more productive. 2.04.9-1