USDA
EPA
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Science & Education Administration
Cooperative Research
Washington DC 20250
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory
Cincinnati OH 45268
EPA-600/7-79-253
December 1979
Research and Development
Soil
Development and
Nitrates in Minesoil
Interagency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program
Report
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-79-253
December 1979
SOIL DEVELOPMENT AND NITRATES
IN MINESOIL
by
P. C. Singleton and D. A. Barker
Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Wyoming
P. 0. Box 3354
University Station
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
SEA/CR IAG no. 0071201
Grant no. 684-15-35
Project Director
J. A. Asleson
Agricultural Experiment Station
College of Agriculture
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana 59715
Program Coordinator
Eilif V. Miller
Mineland Reclamation Research Program
Science and Education Administration - Cooperative Research
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D. C. 20250
Project Officer
Ronald D. Hill
Resource Extraction and Handling Division
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory - Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
This study was conducted in cooperation with the Science and Education
Administration, Cooperative Research U.S.D.A., Washington, D.C. 20250
INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory-Cincinnati, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily
reflect the views and policies of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,
nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
The views and conclusions contained in this report are those of the
authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies
or recommendations of the Science and Education Administration-Cooperative
Research, U. S. Department of Agriculture.
ii
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FOREWORD
When energy and material resources are extracted, processed, converted,
and used, the related pollutlonal Impacts on our environment and even on our
health often require that new and increasingly more efficient pollution
control methods be used. The Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-
Cincinnati (lERL-Ci) assists in developing and demonstrating new and improved
methodologies that will meet these needs both efficiently and economically.
This work was designed to measure the effect of soil forming processes
on mine spoil material of known age and to determine the amount of nitrate
in different age minesoils. The results of this work should be of interest
to the soil scientist and reclamation specialist involved in the reclamation
of land disturbed by coal mining. For further information contact the authors
or the Extraction Technology Branch of the Resource Extraction and Handling
Division.
David G. Stephan
Director
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati
iii
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ABSTRACT
Samples of minesoils from 16- and 40-year-old mine spoil piles were
analyzed in the laboratory for various chemical and physical properties to
ascertain to what extent the materials have been influenced by pedogenic
processes during their relatively brief time of exposure. Nitrate levels
in the minesoils were also measured to determine if a potential hazard
exists. Results of the study indicated that both the 16- and 40-year-old
materials showed signs of incipient soil development. The data also showed
that nitrate levels in the minesoils are higher than in adjacent undisturbed
native soils. In general however, the levels in the minesoil still are
within the range normally expected for arable soils. It also appears
that the nitrate level in the minesoil decreases with time of exposure.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Contract No. 684-15-35
by the University of Wyoming under the sponsorship of the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency. This report covers the period August 7, 1976 to
September 30, 1978.
1v
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures vi
Tables vii
Acknowledgment ix
Introduction 1
Conclusions 2
Recommendations 4
Review of Literature 5
Description of the Area 9
Methods of Study 10
Results and Discussion 15
Summary 28
References 29
Appendices 30
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FIGURES
Number page
1. This picture shows an area in the vicinity of Hanna
pits 1 and 2. On the right hand side can be seen
undisturbed native range in contrast to sparsely
vegetated minesoil on the left 11
VI
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TABLES
Number Page
1. Maximum depths to which materials were sampled ......... 12
2. Laboratory data of unweathered overburden material
from Hanna and Elmo spoil piles and from the
Elmo native soil parent material ............... 16
3. Percentage of sand, silt and clay at various
depths in the profile of several "orphan spoil
piles" and a native soil in the areas of Hanna
and Elmo, Wyoming ....................... 17
4. Analysis of Variance Tables of clay content for
the Hanna and Elmo minesoils from a Randomized
Complete Block design ..................... 13
5. Differences in pH between the Hanna and Elmo
minesoils
6. Analysis of Variance Tables of Electrical
Conductivity for the Hanna and Elmo minesoils
from a Randomized Complete Block design ............ 19
7. Differences in (Ec) with depth for the Hanna and
Elmo minesoils as tested with Duncan's New
Multiple Range Test: with equal replications ..... .... 20
8. Two Analysis of Variance Tables for Ca and
Mg"*"* for the 16-year-old Hanna minesoils from a
Randomized Complete Block design ............... 20
9. Differences in two divalent cations with depth,
for the Hanna minesoils as tested with Duncan's
New Multiple Range Test: with equal replica-
tions ....... . ............. ........ 21
10. Multiple Regression Analysis of the 16-year-old
Hanna minesoils for electrical conductivity, as
explained by Ca4"1" and Mg4^ .................. 21
V11
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TABLES (continued)
Number
11. Analysis of Variance Tables of K+ content for the
Hanna and Elmo minesoils from a Randomized
Complete Block design 22
12. Differences in (K4") with depth for the Elmo
and Hanna minesoils as tested with Duncan's New
Multiple Range Test: with equal replications 22
13. CaCO percent for the Hanna and Elmo minesoils
and the Elmo Native Soil 24
14. A comparison of NC^-N in the Hanna 16-year-old
minesoil, Elmo 40-year-old minesoil and Elmo
Native Soil III 25
15. Sodium absorption ratios for the Hanna and Elmo
minesoils 26
viii
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to thank the Rosebud Coal Sales Company for allowing the study
to be conducted on their property. And special thanks to Mr. Dave Evans,
reclamation officer, Rosebud Coal Sales Company for his assistance in
selecting sites for the study. Thanks also go to Dr. Gerald Schuman and
Mr. Frank Rauzi, U.S.D.A.-S.E.A., and Dr. Steve Williams, University of
Wyoming, for their expert advice during the study.
IX
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INTRODUCTION
Federal legislation enacted in 1977 as well as previous Wyoming laws
have resulted in mandatory reclamation of areas disturbed by mining. Many
spoil piles resulting from early mining done prior to the establishement of
such laws were left abandoned. These undisturbed so-called, "orphan
spoils" provide excellent conditions for pedogenic studies on materials of
datable age. Spoil may be defined as a mixture of overburden and discarded
coal.
It is generally recognized that soil development under natural conditions
is a slow process requiring from several hundred to many thousands of years.
A study of minesoils should allow one to determine the changes that occur in
the profile during the early stages of soil development.
The objectives of this study were to determine:
1) If measurable changes have occurred in the profile of mine-
soils during their relatively brief time of exposure to pedogenic
processes.
2) The nitrate content of different age minesoils and to compare
with the amount contained in adjacent native soils.
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CONCLUSIONS
1. The overburden material at the Hanna site differed considerably from
that at the Elmo site in texture, pH and CaCO content. Since the
Hanna Geological formation is so variable witn respect to thickness
and composition of individual strata from one location to another,
the spoil piles from this formation are a hodgepodge of sandstone,
shales, and mixtures of both with no predictable sequence of horizon-
ation.
2. Evidence of soil development:
a. K enrichment has occurred in the surface 5 cm of both the 16-
and 40-year-old minesoils. The enrichment is thought to result
from biocycling of K.
b. Some downward movement of soluble salts has occurred in the
sandy loam textured Hanna minesoil as indicated by an increase
in electrical conductivity (Ec) to a depth of 30 to 45 cm (12
to 18 inches).
c. Soluble Ca and Mg salts are primarily responsible for the
increase in EC with the highest concentration of soluble Ca
and Mg occurring near the base of the root zone at a depth of
30 to 45 cm.
3. There is no evidence of translocation of clay in the minesoils after 16
or 40 years of exposure.
4. There is no evidence of CaCO- movement in the minesoils.
5. The slightly acid pH thoughout the profile of the Elmo minesoil
reflects the presence of acid forming pyritic minerals in the over-
burden and the absence of CaCO- to neutralize the acidity.
6. The slightly alkaline reaction of the Hanna minesoil results from the
CaCO, present in the overburden and its neutralizing effect on the
potential acidity.
7. The Hanna and Elmo minesoils and the Elmo native soil all contain more
oxidizable carbon than is normal for soils of arid climates. Very
fine coal dust dispersed throughout the minesoils and native soil mask
the organic matter which is contributed by active biotic forces that
is normally considered to be the true soil organic matter.
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8. Nitrates are not a potential pollutant. The minesoils studied con-
tained more nitrates than nearby native soil, however, the amounts
were not excessive being near the upper end of the range of nitrates
found in arable soils. The level of nitrates in the minesoils did
decrease with age of the minesoil.
9. Sodium presents no hazard in the minesoils studied as reflected by
the low sodium absorption ratios which ranged from 0.19 to 2.01,
well below the levels of 12 to 15 which indicate potential management
problems.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The sparseness of vegetation and the near absence of soil development
on abandoned minesoils at Elmo and Hanna, Wyoming indicate a need for
proper land preparation and topsoiling of disturbed lands in future
mining operations before revegetating. Topsoiling is necessary even
though the normal diagnostic tests may show overburden materials to
be very similar chemically and in some respects physically, to the
topsoil. It must be recognized that topsoil differs from overburden
in many ways that normal diagnostic tests do not evaluate—to mention
a few: first, the tests do not evaluate the biotic regime of the
topsoil which has a very dynamic effect on plant growth; second,
topsoil is a source of native seeds which can aid in the revegetation
process; and third, topsoil will normally have well developed stable
aggregation which can greatly improve plant air-water relationships
over that found in poorly aggregated overburden materials.
2. There is no technical need for reworking of old abandoned "Orphan
Spoils" if tests show the surface 50 cm contain no toxic materials,
natural revegetation is occurring and erosion is not a significant
factor. However, from a standpoint of aesthetics, many of the old
abandoned spoils should be reshaped, topsoiled, and revegetated in
order to blend in with the natural landscape.
3. Abandoned "Orphan Spoils" on which natural revegetation is not occurring
because of unfavorable chemical or physical conditions should be
reshaped to blend with the natural topography, topsoiled to a depth
of at least 30 to 45 cm, and seeded to appropriate vegetation.
4. It is recommended that a method be developed to determine what fraction
of the easily oxidizable carbon results from fine coal dust and what
fraction results from true soil organic matter as the term normally
implies. Such a method would greatly aid in studies like this,
where the amount of biotic activity that has occurred in the soil is
being inferred from the amount of organic matter that has accumulated
in the soil profile.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
When considering the topic of soil, as in other scientific disciplines, a
working definition of the subject must be stated and agreed upon. The utility
of such a definition will vary with its intended use as in the disciplines of
pedology and edaphology. Brady (1974) states, "Edaphology is the study of the
soil from the standpoint of higher plants. It considers the various properties
of soil as they relate to plant production." Another edaphological definition
states "soil is the natural medium for the growth of land plants, whether or
not it has 'developed1 soil horizons," (Soil Survey Staff, 1962). Although
these definitions satisfy the needs of the edaphologists, they do not meet the
requirements of pedologists. Buol, et al. (1973) speaking as a pedologist,
takes exception to soils merely being a medium for plant growth stating that,
"such a definition is unsatisfactory in that it is dependent upon something
besides soil." He further defines soil as, "a natural body of mineral and
organic matter which changes or has changed in response to climate and organisms
The change is called soil genesis." Thus, the pedologist is concerned with
the evolution of a natural body through chemical and biological pedogenic
processes which results in a decrease in entropy of the system as represented
by soil profile development.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition of soil has, to a
certain extent, incorporated both the edaphologist's and pedologist's points
of view. The agency defines soil as "the unconsolidated mineral and organic
matter on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium
for the growth of land plants" (EPA, 1976). This definition, though more
edaphologic in nature, does incorporate elements of the pedologic concept of
soil, i.e., "unconsolidated mineral and organic matter." However, it ignores
the genetic nature of soil, again relegating it to a medium for plant growth.
For the purposes of this inquiry, soil will be considered as "a natural body
consisting of layers or horizons of mineral and/or organic constituents of
variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent material in their morpholo-
gical, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties and their biological
characteristics" (Birkeland, 1974).
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SOIL GENESIS, A MODEL
The tendency of soils to develop in different ways, from similar if not
comparable origins, is attributable to five independent variables known as
"soil forming factors" (Jenny, 1941). Jenny expressed his five soil forming
factors in the empirical relationship, s = f (cl, o, r, p, t), where "s" is
the soil system (dependent), cl = climate, o = organisms, r = topography,
p = parent material and t = time. From this relationship, Jenny indicates that
"for a given combination of cl, o, r, p and t, the state of the soil system is
fixed; only one type of soil exists under these conditions." The possible
combinations from this relationship lead other researchers to isolate two
dominate processes of pedogenesis: first, the decay of organic residues with
subsequent formation of the soil organic constituent, namely humus; and
second, the decomposition (mechanical and chemical) of mineral compounds from
parent rocks, with the creation of new complexes (Glinka, 1963). The logical
consequence of these two processes is that soil should be composed of two
solid constituents, mineral and organic, with the greatest volume being
normally occupied by the mineral fraction as liberated by weathering (Gerasimov
and Glazovskaya, 1965).
WEATHERING
Weathering is defined as the disintegration and decomposition of the
primary minerals, (Rode, 1961). The relative rate at which this occurs has
been related to the stability of a mineral at the earth's surface (Fridland,
1967). Mineral stability appears to be directly correlated to "the progres-
sive increase in the sharing of oxygens between adjacent silica tetrahedra"
(Birkeland, 1974), while inversely related to the temperature at which the
mineral formed.
In examining weathering processes, recognition of both the physical and
chemical aspects is important. However, Reiche (1962) has pointed out that
"the essentially physical weathering processes are of secondary importance."
Of the five processes which fall into this category, (unloading, thermal
expansion and contraction, crystal growth, colloid plucking, organic activity),
only two, crystal growth and unloading, are especially significant. While
physical weathering may not command the recognition that chemical weathering
holds, it initiates an increase in available surface area of geologic materials
and is therefore a prerequisite for chemical weathering (Rode, 1962). Hunt
(1972) states, "the processes that cause weathering, whether mechanical,
chemical or biological, depend on the entrance of water into joints or
partings in the rock or into the pore spaces between mineral grains." Although
water as a mechanism for all weathering may be debated, it is the foundation .
upon which chemical weathering proceeds. Reiche (1962) states, "Under these
circumstances, hydration is a surface adsorption, and calls into play hydrolo-
sis. It is the forerunner of all the more profound chemical alterations."
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PRECIPITATION
Ideas as to the effect of precipitation on the development of soils are
not new. Joffe (1936) states, "Water plays as important a role in the soil
as blood does in the animal organism. Its movement through the parent material
determines the features of the soil profile." Water can then be considered
a factor in the rate and depth of profile development. However, under condi-
tions of similar climate (precipitation inclusive), where organisms, topography
and time are constant, parent material will ultimately determine the direction
of soil development.
SPOIL AND PARENT MATERIAL
Spoil, by nature, is a heterogenous mixture of geologic material, the
properties of which are determined by the proportions of various types of
sedimentary rocks they contain. Grube et al. (1974), suggest that "rock
type distinctions can help indicate future soil particle sizes, rates of
soil development, and contribution of minerals to soil chemical properties."
However, application of Grube's suggestion is rather difficult because, as
Schroer (1976) has shown, the chemical and physical properties of overburden
vary vertically, horizontally and between sites on the same or similar strata.
Smith, Tryon and Tyner (1971), in comparing 70 to 130-year-old iron ore mine
spoils to natural soils of the Morgantown, West Virginia area, concluded,
"Natural soil proved superior to the old spoils in bulk densities (lower),
porosity (higher), soil structure development, infiltration, nitrogen or
organic matter especially near the surface, surface texture (more loamy),
and smoother land surface"; while spoils were superior in "depth for plant
rooting, total available water holding capacity, and certain plant nutrients."
However, both materials were similar in mineralogy and pH. Sobek and Smith
(1971), in examining the properties of selected barren coal mine spoils over
one coal seam in West Virginia, showed mean pH values ranged from 2.8 to 5.0.
Smith et al. (1974) attributed such acidic values to the oxidation of pyrite
and marcasite and suggested that the presence of inherent free carbonates
or the artificial maintenance of pH values of above 5.5 would either neutralize
sulfuric acid formed by oxidation of pyritic sulfur, or would inhibit microbial
oxidation of pyrite.
SPOIL AS SOIL
The classification of minesoils, until recently, was not considered
practical. Smith et al. (1975)1/ states, "Prior to the development of the new
comprehensive soil classification system by the National Cooperative Soil
Survey, mine spoil was not considered to be soil." Delp (1978) states, "In
the proposed system, minesoils would be classified at the order level as
Entisols. Pedogenic horizons were either weak or absent in nearly all the
profiles studied." Classification on the series level is highly complex
because of the extreme variability in composition of parent materials (spoil)
and the lack of knowledge concerning dominant genetic processes.
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MINESOILS
Grube et al. (1974) states that, "an apparent deficiency of minesoils as
compared to undisturbed soils, is the absence of near surface organic matter."
Smith et al. (1974) notes, "Even in minesoils as old as 70 to 100 years, no
recognizable illuvial clay skins have been observed." Smith, Tryon and Tyner
(1971), in a study of West Virginia iron ore spoils, concluded, "Apparently,
leaching, organic litter deposition on the surface, and other soil forming
processes, have failed to differentiate pH horizons clearly during 70 to more
than 100 years." The general conclusions are that soil forming processes,
though operative, have not yet developed discernible characteristics of
horizonation.
I/ A proposed revision of Modern Soil Taxonomy by Dr. Richard M. Smith,
John C. Sencindiver, Charles H. Delp, and Keith 0. Schmude, submitted to
John Rourke, Chairman, Northeast Soil Taxonomy Committee in a letter
dated November 25, 1975 from Keith 0. Schmude, State Soil Scientist, Soil
Conservation Service, P.O. Box 865, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505.
8
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DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
LOCATION
The towns of Hanna and Elmo, Wyoming, found in T22N, R81W- 6P.M. served
as a focal point around which two study areas were established. The first
area was at Rosebud pits number 1 and 2, located 1.6 km west of the town
of Hanna. The second area was north of the old mining town of Elmo, which
lies just east of the Hanna city limits.
GEOGRAPHY
The Hanna Basin is approximately 65.6 km long, trending east to west
and 41.0 km wide. It is a small intermountain basin located in south central
Wyoming; delineated on the north by the Shirley, Seminoe, Freezeout and
Ferris Mountains, to the south by the Snowy Range, and to the west by the
Rawlins Hills. The primary drainage in the region is the north flowing
North Platte River and its tributaries.
GEOLOGY
The Hanna Basin is a structural trough formed by downwarping during the
Laramide orogeny, seventy million years ago. In planar view, it occupies
2,690 km . Though small as an intermountain basin, it is unusually deep.
Sediments here lie on a crystalline basement and are estimated at between
9,231 and 10,850 m thick, with 5,580 to 6,200 m of this containing Tertiary
and Cretaceous coal bearing rocks (Glass, 1972).
SOILS
Soils of the area are developing in residuum from interbedded sandstone
and clay shales, with the principle associations being Ustic and Typic
Torriorthents, as represented by the Blazon, Delphil and Garsid series (Young
and Singleton, 1977).
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CLIMATE
The Hanna Basin is an area of low precipitation, representative of many of
the mining areas of the arid West. The annual precipitation is less than 24 cm,
of which about half is in the form of snow. However, the effective precipitation
of this region is notably less as a result of snow sublimation and high evapora-
tion losses due to wind. The average January and July temperatures are approxi-
mately -6 and 21°C respectively, with a frost-free period of about 108 days
from May 30 to September 15.
METHODS OF STUDY
SITE SELECTION
Reconnaissance activities began in early June 1977 for specific sampling
sites. With the cooperation of Mr. Dave Evans, Reclamation Engineer,
Rosebud Coal Sales Company, sites for sampling were selected. The University
of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, Laramie, Wyoming, entered into an
agreement with the above company, effective 27 June 1977, which allowed the
University to conduct research.
Two primary areas for sampling were established. The first area was at
Rosebud pits numbers 1 and 2, located approximately 1.6 km west of the town of
Hanna. The second area was north of the old mining town of Elmo, which lies
several kilometers east of Hanna. These two sites were chosen since they,
along with the present mining site, established a chronology for the study of
soil development. From these locations spoil materials of the following ages
were available: a) recent spoil from near an active dragline 0.8 km north of
the old Elmo site proper; b) 16-year-old spoil from Rosebud pits numbers 1
and 2; c) 40-year-old spoil at the Elmo site proper; and, d) native undis-
turbed soil 0.8 km west of the Elmo site.
Further reconnaissance was conducted at the old townsite of Carbon in an
effort to locate old underground raineworks and hopefully locate areas which
would yield overburden material left undisturbed since the early 1900's.
Several old sites were located, however, the spoil from underground mining in
most all instances, was covered by a layer of slack coal and coal dust several
decimeters thick. Samples of such material would not reflect the activity
of soil forming processes normally associated with overburden materials.
FIELD METHODS
Sample Selection
The primary emphasis in sample selection was on sampling for pedogenic
analysis. Samples for nitrate analysis were also collected.
10
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Sampling for Pedogenic Processes
The technique of sample selection for pedogenic analysis was established
by observing the relative stabilities of materials on the spoil piles. As
would be expected, areas in which the native vegetation had become re-estab-
lished were in a close proximity to undisturbed native range (Figure 1). Such
areas were suitable for sampling since they had experienced relatively long
term stability. The method of sampling on spoil materials was random with the
top 15 cm of the material sampled at 2.5 era increments and then at 15 cm
increments to 60 cm where possible. However, native soils were sampled to
the greatest depth obtainable (Table 1). This technique was used on the
Rosebud and Elmo sites, as well as the native soils near Elmo.
Figure 1. This picture shows an area in the vicinity of Hanna pits
1 and 2. On the right hand side can be seen undisturbed
native range in contrast to sparsely vegetated minesoil
on the left.
11
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TABLE 1. MAXIMUM DEPTHS TO WHICH MATERIALS WERE SAMPLED
Sample Designation
Hanna Minesoils
A
B
C
D
E
Elmo Minesoils
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
Elmo Native Soils
I
II
III
IV
Maximum
Depth (cm)
60
45
45
45
60
45
45
30
30
45
30
15
80
80
80
80
Samples for Nitrate Determination
This phase of sampling was conducted in response to concerns voiced over
possible nitrate contamination from paleocene shales, exposed during the
strip mining process.
Since most of the overburden spoil piles in the Hanna mining district are
a mixture of sandstone and shale, it was necessary to seek out areas composed
primarily of shales for sampling. In the areas chosen, core samples were
collected in 16 cm increments to a depth of 120 cm, where possible. The
samples were placed in plastic bags and refrigerated with dry ice during trans-
port. The dry ice was to keep microoorganism activity at a minimum. The
samples were then placed in an oven and dried for 48 hours at 110°C. Follow-
ing drying, the samples were ground and screened through a 2 mm sieve. Dupli-
cate samples were then analyzed for nitrate, using the procedure outlined in
0ien and Olsen (1969).
12
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LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Samples collected for pedogenic study were analyzed for texture; pHp;
total soluble salts; soluble cations (Na+, Ca++, Mg++, IT1"); total Al-0_; total
Na+, C3++, Mg++, K+; organic carbon; and CaCO_ equivalent.
Soil Texture
Soil texture is the size of individual soil particles; while the propor-
tion of sand, silt and clay size fractions comprise the textural class. Both
chemical and physical properties of the soil material are influenced by texture.
The soil texture was determined in duplicate on materials samples from Elmo
pits 1-IV, Hanna A-D, and the Elmo native soil III. The method of particle
size analysis was done according to Bouyoucos (1936) .
Soil pHp
The pH or the logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentra-
tion in gram equivalents per liter of solution, is an index of the acidic or
basic nature of the soil. The pH of a soil paste (pHp) was determined with
a glass electrode pH meter as outlined in USDA Handbook No. 60 (U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 1954).
Total Soluble Salts
Soil pastes from the pHp determination were placed in a high pressure
filter press and the soil solutions extracted. Salinity was determined by
measuring millimhos conductance per cm with a Standard Wheatstone Bridge
(U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1954). Since the osmotic pressure of soil
solutions increases directly with the amount of salts present, it can be
expressed as a function of electrical conductivity. This determination gives
a good index as to the suitability of soils for plant growth.
Soluble Cations of Na+. Ca++, Mg++ and K+
A measurement of the soluble cations gives an indication of the composi-
tion of the salts which are present. The method used is according to USDA
Handbook No. 60, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (1954). Concentrations of
soluble cations were determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Total
Analysis of total Al content may be utilized in characterizing the parent
material from which a soil formed and therefore, can be used as an index of
weathering. The percentage of A^Oj was determined by Wyoming Analytical
Laboratories of Laramie with the boron hydrate fusion method outlined in the
ASTM Annual (1978).
Total Na+, Ca""". Mg^ and K+
A comparison of the total amount of these bases contained in the parent
rock with those contained in the weathered spoil can be used as an indicator
of the impact weathering has had on the spoil materials. Total analysis was
13
-------
accomplished by the perchloric digestion method outlined by Pratt (1965).
Concentrations of the ions were determined with an atomic absorption
spectrophotometer.
Organic Carbon/Organic Matter
The presence of organic matter in a soil often can be used as an
expression of soil development. Although it is usually present in relatively
small amounts, it has a profound influence on the chemical, physical and
biological properties of soil. The organic carbon was determined by the
wet digestion method outlined in USDA Handbook No. 60 (U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1954), from which the percent organic matter was calculated.
CaCCL Equivalent
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO ) is one of several alkaline-earth carbonates
which exert an influence on the physical and chemical properties of soil.
was determined by the rapid titration method after Piper (1950).
14
-------
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
GENERAL
The intent of this study was to examine "Orphan Spoils" of different age
to determine if any soil characteristics could be measured that might indicate
whether some degree of transition from raw spoil to a developed soil has
occurred with time. Orphan spoil piles that were 16 and 40 years old were
chosen for the study. Both piles were chosen from the same general area in
the Hanna Basin area of Wyoming in order to have as uniform conditions as
possible between the two sites. Howeyer, as the study progressed, it became
evident that differences existed between the spoil material in the 16-year old
Hanna site and the 40 year old Elmo site. The primary differences were in tex-
ture, pH, and percentage CaCOa equivalent (Table 2). Even sampling pits within
each site showed a great deal of variation in material with depth due to the
heterogeniety of the overburden material of which the spoil piles were built.
The overburden is material from the Hanna Geological Formation which consists
of interbedded sandstones and clay shales of varying thickness and composition.
Thus, one area of a spoil pile may have a very different sequence and thick-
ness of geologic material in its profile than another area only a few.feet
away. In view of the inherent differences between the two sites, each site
should be evaluated as independent unrelated sites.
It should also be remembered that this study is located in an area that
receives approximately 23 cm (9 inches) of moisture annually. At least half
of this precipitation comes in the winter in the form of snow. Most of the
snow sublimates except in localized areas where vegetative barriers have caused
some drifting. The rains come in the'form of infrequent light showers or as
short torrential downpours. With the light rains little moisture enters the
soil because of evaporation and with the downpours much is lost as runoff. Also
this area is subjected to strong and persistent winds which greatly increase the
evapo-transpiration rate. Thus, the amount of water entering the soil yearly
is at most not over 10 cm (4 inches) and this is spread over the entire year.
As previously stated, exceptions may occur in localized areas where snow is
trapped and slow melting occurs. The maximum depth of the root zone in the
lighter textured sandy loam minesoil varied between 30 and 45 cm (12 to 18
inches) which indicates moisture does reach that depth. It is not likely that
moisture reaches that depth every year due to the highly variable pattern of the
precipitation from year to year.
PARTICLE SIZE
Results of textural analysis of minesoils from four 40-year-old spoil
piles, four 16-year-old piles and from a native soil, all from an area near
Elmo and Hanna, Wyoming are shown in Table 3.
15
-------
TABLE 2. LABORATORY DATA OF THE UNWEATHERED OVERBURDEN MATERIAL
FROM HANNA AND ELMO SPOIL PILES AND FROM THE ELMO NATIVE SOIL PARENT MATERIAL
Data
Textural class
PH
CaCO_ equivalent, percent
Electrical conductivity mmhos/cm
Organic matter, percent
Soluble cations:
Calcium meq/lOOg
Magnesium " "
Sodium " "
Potassium " "
Total cations:
Calcium meq/lOOg
Magnesium " "
Sodium " "
Potassium " "
Total A120 , percent
ELMO
SPOIL
Loam
5.8
0.0
3.1
5.5
1.16
1.30
0.06
0.03
70.4
76.2
238.8
46.3
14.3
HANNA
SPOIL
Sandy loam
7.2
2.0
4.1
3.9
1.13
1.26
0.04
0.01
50.1
39.9
167.3
36.8
7.8
ELMO NATIVE
SOIL
Loam
7.6
4.0
1.6
4.7
0.23
0.15
0.01
0.01
104.4
50.2
198.1
40.9
9.6
The undisturbed soil referred to as Elmo Native Soil III, was sampled at
seven depths, the maximum being at 80 cm. Four of the samples (57%) consisted
of loams while three of the samples (43%) were sandy loams. The amount of
clay in the various samples ranged from 14.3 to 18.8%, the sand 46.6 to 58.0%
and the silt 25.5 to 37.0%. The arithmetic mean texture was obtained over the
various profile depths (Table 3), and was calculated to be a loam.
The four 40-year-old minesoils from the Elmo area, designated as Elmo I
through Elmo IV, consisted of 29 observations with maximum depths ranging
from 30 to 45 cm. These 29 samples consisted of one textural class (Table
3), that of a loam. The particle size analysis of the samples indicated
clay ranged from 18.1 to 24.9, sand 41.3 to 50.6% and silt from 30.8 to 35.7%.
The 16-year-old minesoils in the Hanna area, designated as Hanna A
through Hanna D, are represented by 32 samples with maximum depth ranging from
45 to 60 cm. Particle size data for the samples are shown in Table 3. One
textural class was representative of all samples, that of a sandy loam. The
particle size analysis indicated clay ranged from 11.0 to 15.3%, sand 65.0 to
70.8% and silt 16.9 to 21.7%.
16
-------
An Analysis of Variance using the percent clay as the dependent variable
and depth of each sampling site from 0-15 cm as the independent variable was
conducted on the Hanna and Elmo minesoils (Table 4). Differences in clay
content were not found to be significant with depth for the Hanna minesoil,
however at the same confidence level, the Elmo minesoil showed a slight
increase in clay with depth. The absence of clay staining or clay films sug-
gests the clay differences occurred during placement of the spoil and not as
a result of illuviation. Also the lower amount of clay in the surface 2% cm
may be the result of wind removal of the finer material.
TABLE 3. PERCENTAGE OF SAND, SILT AND CLAY AT VARIOUS DEPTHS IN THE PROFILE
OF SEVERAL MINESOILS FROM "ORPHAN SPOIL PILES" AND A NATURAL SOIL IN THE AREAS
OF HANNA AND ELMO, WYOMING
Elmo
Minesoils
I- IV
(40-yr-old)
Elmo
(Native)
Soil
III
Hanna
Minesoils
A-D
(16-yr-old)
Depth (cm)
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
80.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
60.0
samples
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
1
*% Sand
49.3
46.6
45.2
42.5
41.3
42.3
43.8
50.6
51.3
51.3
55.6
58.0
50.0
57.1
46.6
70.8
70.1
68.5
68.6
67.8
67.0
65.0
66.0
^
*% Silt
32.6
32.3
35.4
34.6
35.7
32.8
33.2
30.8
34.4
34.4
33.1
25.5
31.2
28.9
37.0
18.2
16.9
18.0
19.1
19.4
19.7
19.7
21.7
"
*% Clay
18.1
22.1
19.4
22.9
23.0
24.9
23.0
18.6
14.3
14.3
11.3
16.5
18.8
14.0
16.4
11.0
13.0
13.5
12.3
12.8
13.3
15.3
12.3
"•
Textural
class
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
SL
SL
L
SL
L
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
SL
*An average percentage over the number of samples for each depth.
17
-------
pH SATURATED PASTE
A total of 87 pH determinations were made on field samples from three
locations. The data in Table 5 show that the 16-year-old Hanna minesoil is
slightly alkaline while the 40-year-old Elmo minesoil is slightly acid. These
are inherent differences as shown from the overburden analysis in Table 2. It
is very probable that both the Hanna and Elmo overburden contain some acid
forming pyritic material, however, the Hanna overburden also contains calcium
and magnesium carbonates (Table 13) which no doubt have neutralized the acidity
and caused the Hanna minesoil to have a slightly alkaline reaction.
TABLE 4. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLES OF CLAY CONTENT FOR
THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS FROM A RANDOMIZED COMPLETE BLOCK DESIGN
Variation
DF
SS
MS
Sites
Depth
Error
Total
3
5
15
23
Elmo Minesoil
576.56
128.17
137.79
842.52
192.19
25.63
9.19
20.92
2.79t
Sites
Depth
Error
Total
3
5
15
23
Hanna Minesoil
31.29
16.17
35.35
82.81
10.43
3.23
2.36
4.43
1.37NS
t Significant at .10 level
NS Not significant at .10 level
18
-------
TABLE 5. DIFFERENCES IN pH BETWEEN THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS
Depth (cm) Mean
HANNA
2-5 7.75
5-0 7.79
7-5 7.71
10.0 7.66
12.5 7.64
15.0 7.54
30.0 7.44
45.0 7.13
ELMO
2.5 6.49
5.0 6.51
7-5 6.48
10.0 6.56
12.5 6.55
15.0 6.31
30.0 6.00
45.0 5.77
TOTAL SOLUBLE SALTS AND SOLUBLE NA+, CA44", MC4* AND K+
Electrical conductivity (Ec), was determined for each natural and minesoil
sample obtained. An Analysis of Variance was utilized to decide if significant
increases or decreases in electrical conductivity had occurred with depth in
the 16- and 40-year-old minesoils (Table 6). The results indicate that a sig-
nificant increase in (Ec) has occurred with depth, in the Hanna, but not the
40-year-old Elmo minesoil. To differentiate this apparent increase, Duncan's
test was applied (Table 7).
19
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TABLE 6. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLES OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
FOR THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS FROM A RANDOMIZED COMPLETE BLOCK DESIGN
Variation DF SS MS F
Elmo Minesoil
Sites 5 53.297 10.659 9.402
Depth 6 3.596 0.599 0.528NS
Error 30 34.012 1.134
Total 41 90.905
Sites
Depth
Error
Total
4
7
28
39
Hanna Minesoil
49.445
70.818
52.451
172.714
12.361
10.117
1.873
6.599
5.401**
NS Not significant at .10 level
** Significant at the .01 level
Electrical conductivity in the Hanna minesoil was found to increase sig-
nificantly at the 45 cm level, indicating that conductivity was directly re-
lated to depth. After examining the data for soluble cations, this increase
in electrical conductivity was suspected to be due to the migration of Ca
and Mg"*~*" with depth. The 16-year-old Hanna spoil was found to have a signi-
ficant increase of both cations at the 45 cm depth suggesting that this depth
was a zone of illuviation for Ca"1"*" and Mg"^" (Tables 8 and 9). Since it
appeared that increases in Ca"*"*" and Mg"*"*" might be responsible for increases
in electrical conductivity, a multiple regression analysis was used to con-
struct the model (y = .374 + ,029X1 + .069X_) in which electrical conductiv-
ity was the dependent variable (Y), while Ca** and Mg++ were independent vari-
ables (X. and X. respectively (Table 10). Several things should be noted:
First, tne model accounted for 97% of the variation in the data. This suggests
that the soluble Ca"*"*" and Mg"*"*" contribute more to increases in electrical
conductivity than do Na+ or K+. Second, the ratio of partial correlation
coefficients indicates that Ca"1"1" contributes 1.6 times as much to the model as
does Mg"*^". The results of these tests, in conjunction with field observations
for maximum rooting depth (~45 cm), indicate highest Ca"*""*" and Mg"1"1" concentra1-
tion are occurring at or near the base of the root zone.
20
-------
The seemingly anomalous situation in which salts have been leached to a
lower horizon in the younger minesoil but not in the older minesoil can
probably be explained by differences in texture and permeability. The younger
minesoil is a sandy loam containing from 11 to 15.3% clay and is more permeable
to water than the older minesoil which is a loam containing from 18.1 to 24.9%
clay. Thus, the limited moisture entering these minesoils would be more effec-
tive in leaching in the lighter textured soil.
TABLE 7. DIFFERENCES IN (EC) WITH DEPTH FOR THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS
AS TESTED WITH DUNCAN'S NEW MULTIPLE RANGE TEST: WITH EQUAL REPLICATIONS
Depth (cm)
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
Mean (Ec) mmhos/cm
HANNA
1.59 I**
1.43 ?
1.19 ?
1.66 J
1.49 J
1.11 °
3.61ab
5.07a
ELMO
2.61a
2.34a
2.26a
1.99a
1.77a
2.05a
2.72a
2.93a
TABLE 8. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLES FOR Ca44" AND Mg++
FOR THE 16-YEAR-OLD HANNA MINESOILS FROM A RANDOMIZED COMPLETE BLOCK DESIGN
Variation DF SS MS~ F
Hanna Minesoil Testing the Significance of Ca4"*"
Sites 4 3929.141 982.285 10.082..
Depth 7 5506.180 786.597 8.074
Error 28 2727.934 97.426
Total 39 12163.255
Hanna Minesoil Testing the Significance of Ma4"*
sltes 4 5726.063 1431.516 3.125
DePth 7 12368.105 1766.872 3.857**
Error 28 12827.738 458.133
Total 39 30921.906
** Significant at the .01 level
21
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TABLE 9. DIFFERENCES IN TWO DIVALENT CATIONS WITH DEPTH, FOR THE HANNA MINE-
SOILS AS TESTED WITH DUNCAN'S NEW MULTIPLE RANGE TEST: WITH EQUAL REPLICATIONS
Depth (cm)
Ca4
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
i
Mg
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
Mean meq/1
-4-
b**
10.00 £
9.11 ,
10.46 ?
15.52 ?
10.61 £
12.88 H
28.02ab
44.74a
t
— r
— b**
7.97 ?
6.43 ?
7-08 ?
12. 72-*
7.82 °
9'17ab
46.84
50.883
** Means with the same letter do not differ significantly at the .01 level
TABLE 10. MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF THE 16-YEAR-OLD
HANNA MINESOIL FOR ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY. AS EXPLAINED BY Ca++ AND Mg4"1"
Regression Coefficient
for Mg (X1)
Regression Coefficient
for Ca (X2)
Constant
Model
Partial Regression
Coefficient Mg
Partial Regression
Coefficient Ca
Bj^ = .029
B2 = .069
BQ - .374
Y = .374 + .029X1 + .069X2
Bj^'- .380
B2'= .606
Ratio B2I/B1I 1.59
Coefficient of
Determination
Multiple Correlation _ _ QB,
Coefficient r ~ '986
22
-------
SOLUBLE K+ AND BIOCYCLING
Schafer et al. (1978), has recently indicated that biocycling of K is
occurring in minesoils. To determine if significant increases in K+ were
occurring in the surface of the Hanna and Elmo minesoils, an Analysis of
Variance was again utilized (Table 11). In both the 16- and 40-year-old
minesoils, K* significantly decreased with depth. To isolate at what depth
K was significantly higher, Duncan's test was applied (Table 12). KT*" was
TABLE 11. ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLES OF THE K+ CONTENT FOR
THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS FROM A RANDOMIZED COMPLETE BLOCK DESIGN
Variation DF SS MS F
Elmo Minesoil
Sites 3 7.053 2.351 18.050
Depth 5 3.574 0.715 5.487**
Error 15 1.954 0.130
Total 23 12.581
Hanna Minesoil
Sites
Depth
Error
Total
3
5
15
23
0.835
13.121
6.637
20.593
0.278
2.624
0.442
0.629
5.930**
** Significant at .01 level
TABLE 12. DIFFERENCES IN (K+) WITH DEPTH FOR THE ELMO AND HANNA MINESOILS
AS TESTED WITH DUNCAN'S NEW MULTIPLE RANGE TEST:
Depth (cm)
Elmo K+
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
Hanna K
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
WITH EQUAL REPLICATIONS
Mean (K+) meq/1
a **
2.02\
1.41ab
1.19 b
0.94 J
0.94 J'
0.96 b
a **
2'66*h
1.61aJ
0.95 I
0.86 f
0.62 I
0.52 b
** Means with same letter do not differ significantly at the .01 level
23
-------
significantly higher in both minesoils for the top 2.5 cm. These did not
differ significantly from the 5-cm depth; however, all other depths were
significantly lower in 1C*", in comparison to the 2.5-cm level. Thus, it
appears that K+ enrichment is occurring at the surface of both minesoils.
TOTAL A1203 AND TOTAL Na+, Ca^, Mg4*, K+
In this analysis, four Elmo minesoils, two Hanna minesoils, and the Elmo
Native Soil III were examined. The percentage of each constituent was then
changed to molecular values (App. la and Ib) by dividing percentage data by
the molecular weights, in a method outlined by Jenny (1941). Jenny states
that "stoichiometric relationships are more clearly brought out by molecular
data than by weight figures." Using Jenny's method, an index of relative
weathering rates was established utilizing bai and beta values (App. Ic). A
beta value of unity indicates that no loss of the monovalent cations of Na+
and K"1" has occurred with respect to aluminum. These values were not inter-
pretated since: 1) surface materials could not be positively identified as
having originated from materials below; and 2) to obtain meaningful beta
values, parent material should be in a relatively less decomposed state,
which was not the case in samples obtained.
ORGANIC CARBON
Both the Hanna and Elmo minesoils were found to be higher in organic carbon
than the Elmo Native Soil III (App. Ha and lib), with the Elmo minesoils
having highest organic carbon content of the three. Although several values
in the data would indicate an increase of organic carbon in the surface layers
of minesoils, no overall trends were apparent when the data were considered as
a whole. However, the native soils does have a layer of enrichment at the
surface which decreased with depth, then increased again to a maximum content
at 80 cm. During field examination, minesoils were noted to be mixed with
very fine coal dust which conceivably has confounded the presence of organic
matter accumulation at the surface. Flecks of coal carbon in the native soil
at 80 cm could also account for the increase in carbon at that depth.
CaCO. EQUIVALENT
Elmo minesoils were, in every case, devoid of CaC03. The Elmo Native Soil
III was found to contain 4% CaC03 at 80.0 cm, but 0% CaC03 from 0-15 cm depth
(Table 13). The lack of carbonates in the native soil is most likely due to
the effects of leaching, as well as organic acids acting over a long span of
time. The increase at 80 cm suggests a zone of CaC03 accumulation generally
found in semiarid climates. Many old Aridisols contain illuvial horizons that
have developed under much wetter climatic regimes than have occurred in recent
geologic time. However, the difference in CaC03 between the Hanna and Elmo
minesoils is due to the variation of CaC03 in the overburden material (Table 2).
24
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TABLE 13. CaC03 EQUIVALENT PERCENTAGE FOR THE
HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS AND THE ELMO NATIVE SOIL
Depth (cm)
Mean %
Hanna Minesoil
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
60.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
80.0
Elmo Minesoil
Elmo Native Soil
1.06
1.13
1.13
50
19
06
38
00
2.38
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4.0
NITRATES
To determine if shales weathering in 16- and 40-year-old rainesoils
contained an excess of No -N, a standard for arable dryland soils of 2 - 60
ppm Russell (1973) was used as a comparison (Table 14). All samples except
those of Hanna Pit 1-B, fell within acceptable limits. However, the nitrate
values in Pit 1-B were very high, averaging 263 ppm. The actual influence
of the extreme values found here is of questionable importance, as the total
volume of material represented is unknown. Generally, it can be concluded
that: 1) nitrates are decreasing in both quantity and variability between
samples with increasing age; and 2) though rainesoils are higher in No.-N than
in native soils, they appear to fall within acceptable limits as established
for arable soils.
25
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TABLE 14. A COMPARISON OF N03-N IN THE HANNA 16-YEAR-OLD
MINESOIL, ELMO 40-YEAR-OLD MINESOIL AND ELMO NATIVE SOIL III
Area
Elmo
rainesoil
Hanna
minesoll
Elmo
Native
Soil-Ill
Hanna
Pit 1-B
No . Samples
17
33
25
8
*N03-N (ppm)
27.05
33.67
5.43
263.60
sd
17.87
27.79
1.32
99.38
The mean value for the total N03~N ppm in an area over the number of
samples
SODIUM
Sodium absorption ratios (SAR) were calculated from data contained in
appendices IVa and IVb pertaining to soluble Ca, Mg, and Na. SAR values are
used to point out problem soils with respect to sodium. Soil materials being
considered for "topsoiling" in disturbed areas are rated good with respect
to sodium content if the SAR values are 6.0 or less. Those materials with
SAR values of 15.0 or higher are considered unfavorable for "topsoil" use
because of potential management problems. As can be noted in Table 15 the
SAR values of the Hanna and Elmo minesoils are very favorable ranging from
0.19 to 2.01. Thus, no sodium problem exists in the minesoils studies.
OTHER DATA
Saturation percentages of all samples are contained in Appendix Ilia
and Illb. Soluble cations expressed in both milliequivalents per liter and
milliequivalents per 100 grams are shown in Appendix IVa and IVb.
26
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TABLE 15. SODIUM ABSORPTION RATIOS FOR THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS
Mean Value
Hanna
2<5 1.82
5'° 2.01
Jn'~ °-86
10-° 0.78
12<5 0.90
™'° °'67
30-0 0.34
45'° 0.19
Elmo
5*0 °'69
75 °'61
"•' I'll
12 S J8
° n -jo
15.0 I'f
30.0 °'H
A5 0
"'U 0.30
27
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SUMMARY
The objectives of this study were to determine:
1) If measurable changes have occurred in the profile of minesoils
during their brief time of exposure to pedogenic processes.
2) The nitrate content of different age minesoils and native soil.
Minesoils from two areas were studied. Sixteen-year-old minesoils
were obtained from Rosebud Mine Pits 1 and 2, while 40-year-old minesoils
and native soils were collected north of Elmo, Wyoming. Both sites are in
the same area of the Hanna mining district in Wyoming.
The samples were subjected to a chemical assay of 14 separate deter-
minations and textural analysis. This data was then evaluated where possible
using Analysis of Variance and Duncan's New Multiple Range Test.
In general very little evidence was detected to show that measurable
soil development has occurred. Two factors showing evidence of change in
the raw spoil was movement of soluble salts in the profile and the accumu-
lation of K in the upper 5 cm of the profile probably due to biocycling.
Nitrates and sodium were found not to be a problem in the minesoils
investigated.
28
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REFERENCES
American Society for Testing and Materials. 1978. Boron hydrate fusion method.
ASTM Annual, Part 19. Am. Soc. Testing Mater., Philadelphia.
Birkeland, Peter W. 1974. Pedology, Weathering and Geomorphological Research.
Oxford Univ. Press, New York, 285 pp.
Bouyoucos, G. J. 1936. Directions for making mechanical analysis of soils by
the hydrometer method. Soil Science 42: 225-228.
Brady, N. C. 1974. The Nature and Properties of Soils, 8th ed. Macmillan
Publ. So., Inc., New York, 639 pp.
Buol, S. W. , F. D. Hole and R. J. McCracken. 1973. Soil Genesis and Classifi-
cation. Ames: Iowa State Univ. Press, 360 pp.
Delp, C. H. 1978. Classification of mine spoil. Soil Surv. Hor. 2: 11-13.
Environmental Protection Agency. Erosion and sediment control: Surface
mining in the eastern U.S., Vol. 1. EPA Technology Transfer Seminar Publi-
cation. EPA-625/3-76-006, Oct. 1976.
Fridland, V. M. 1967. The role of weathering in the development of soil profile
and categories of soil material. (Transl. 1967 from Pochvovedenie, No. 12,
Gerasimov, I. P. and M. A. Glazovskaya. 1965. Fundamentals of soil science and
soil geography. (Transl. from Russian by A. Gourevich) . Israel Prog, for
Sci. Trans., Jerusalem. Available U.S. Dept. Commerce, Springfield.
Virginia, 382 pp.
Glass, G. B. 1972. Mining in the Hanna coal field: Geological survey of
Wyoming Miscellaneous Report, 45 pp.
Glinka, K. D. 1963. Treatise on Soil Science, 4th ed. (Transl. from Russian
by A. Gourevich). Israel Prog, for Sci. Transl., Jerusalem. Available
from U.S. Dept. Commerce, Washington, 674 pp.
Grube, W. E., Jr., R. M. Smith, J. C. Sencindiver and A. A. Sobek. 1974. Over-
burden properties and young soils in mined lands. Second Research and
Applied Technology Sumposium on Mined-land Reclamation, Louisville, Kentucky.
Published by Bituminous Coal Research, Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pp.
145-149.
29
-------
Hunt, C. B. 1972. Geology of Soils: Their Evolution, Classification and Uses.
W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, California, 34A pp.
Jenny, H. 1941. Factors of Soil Formation: A System of Quantitative Pedology.
McGraw-Hill, New York, 281 pp.
Joffe, J. S. 1936. Pedology. Rutgers Univ. Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey,
575 pp.
Piper, C. S. 1950. Soil and plant analysis. Interscience Publishers, Inc.,
New York.
Pratt, P. F. 1965. Sodium. LN C. H. Black (ed.) Methods of soil analysis,
Part 2: Chemical and microbiological properties. Agronomy 9: 1031-1049.
Reiche, P. 1962. A survey of weathering processes and products. Univ. of
New Mexico Publ. in Geology, No. 3.
Rode, A. A. 1961. The Soil-forming Process and Soil Evolution. Edited by V. S.
Volynskaya and K. V. Krynochkina. (Transl. by J. S. Joffe). Israel Prog.
for Sci. Trnas., Jerusalem. Available from U.S. Dept. Commerce, Washington.
100 pp.
Rode, A. A. 1962. Soil Science. Edited by V. N. Sukachev and I. V. Tyurin.
(Transl. by A. Gourevich). Israel Prog, for Sci. Trans., Jerusalem.
Available from U.S. Dept. Commerce, Washington, 517 pp.
Russell, E. W. 1973. Soil conditions and plant growth (10th ed.). Longmans,
London.
Schafer, W. M., G. A. Nielsen, D. J. Dollhopf and K. Temple. 1978. Soil gensis,
hydrological properties, root characteristics and microbial activity of 1-
to 50-year old stripmine spoils. Mont. AGr. Exp. Sta. Final Res. Rept. to
EPA-ORD.
Schroer, F. W. 1976. Chemical and physical characterization of coal overburden.
Farm Res. Univ. North Dakota, pp. 5-11.
Smith, R. M., W. E. Grube, Jr., S. C. Sencindiver, R. N. Singh and A. A. Sobek.
1974. Properties, processes and energetics of minesoils. Transactions of
the 10th International Congress of Soil Science (Moscow, USSR). IV: 406-411.
Smith, R. M., E. H. Tryon and E. H. Tyner. 1971. Soil development on mine spoil.
West Virginia Agri. Exp. Sta. Bull. 604T.
Sobek, A. A..and R. M. Smith. 1971. Properties of barren mine spoil. Pro-
ceedings of the West Virginia Acad. of Sci. 43: 161-169.
Soil Survey Staff. 1962. Soil survey manual. U. S. Dept. Agr. Handbook No. 18.
U. S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington, pp. 503.
30
-------
U. S. Department of Agriculture. 1954. Diagnosis and improvement of saline and
alkali soils. Agricultural Handbook No. 60. Edited by L. A. Richards,
U. S. Salinity Laboratory, Riverside, California.
Young, J. F. and P. C. Singleton. 1977. Wyoming general soil map. Wyo. Agr.
Exp. Sta. Res. Jour. 117. 41 pp.
0ien, A. and A. R. Olsen. 1969. Nitrate determination in soil extracts with
the nitrate electrode. Analyst, Vol. 94, pp. 888-894.
31
-------
APPENDIX la. MOLECULAR VALUES1'' FOR
OF THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS AND ELMO NATIVE SOIL
Area
Depth (cm)
Molecular Value A120 *
Elmo I
Elmo II
Elmo III
Elmo IV
Elmo
Native
Soil III
Hanna-A
Hanna-B
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
.150
.155
.150
.138
.136
.143
.150
.135
.124
.130
.141
.149
.122
.122
.128
.137
.099
.103
.119
.094
.076
.087
.083
.077
.060
.073
.077
.075
* Average of two laboratory determinations.
I/ Molecular value equals percentage divided by molecular wt, i.e. moles
Al203/100g soil material.
32
-------
APPENDIX Ib. MOLECULAR VALUES1/ FOR
CaO, MgO, Na20 and K20 OF THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOIL AND ELMO NATIVE SOIL
Elmo I
Elmo II
Elmo III
Elmo IV
Elmo
Native
Soil II
Hanna-A
Hanna-B
Depth
(cm)
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Molecular Value for Total*
CaO
.010
.013
.013
.078
.075
.011
.013
.022
.012
.018
.014
.025
,016
.020
.021
.015
,018
.016
.019
.052
.037
.031
.029
.022
.018
.019
.019
.028
MgO
.026
.026
.027
.073
.087
.026
.024
.030
.028
.031
.030
.025
.022
.028
.027
.026
.025
.023
.029
.025
.022
.022
.024
.019
.015
.016
.018
.021
Na20
.112
.097
.074
.175
.201
.091
.090
.103
.104
.089
.086
.103
.062
.073
.085
.097
.069
.090
.090
.099
.105
.086
.089
.085
.063
.072
.081
.082
K20
.022
.024
.026
.026
.028
.023
.023
.022
.023
.025
.024
.021
.020
.023
.023
.023
.022
.021
.022
.020
.019
.020
.020
.017
.018
.019
.021
.020
An average of two laboratory determinations.
I/ Molecular value equals percentage divided by molecular weight, i.e. moles/
lOOg soil material.
33
-------
APPENDIX Ic. ba VALUES AND BETA VALUES1' FOR
THE HANNA AND ELMO MINESOILS AND ELMO NATIVE SOIL
Depth (cm)
Elmo I 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Elmo II 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Elmo III 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Elmo IV 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Elmo 0-5
Native 5-10
Soil III 10-15
PM
Hanna-A 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
Hanna-B 0-5
5-10
10-15
PM
11 Jenny 1941. ba1 value = Na20 + K.O.
A12°3
6 value = ba.. weathered layer
bal
0.893
0.781
0.667
1.457
1.684
0.797
0.753
0.926
1.024
0.877
0.780
0.832
0.672
0.787
0.844
0.876
0.919
1.078
0.941
1.266
1.632
1.218
1.313
1.325
1.350
1.247
1.325
1.360
All expressed
Beta
0.613
0.536
0.458
1.819
0.861
0.813
1.231
1.054
0.938
0.767
0.898
0.963
0.726
0.852
0.743
1.232
0.919
0.991
0.993
0.917
0.974
as molecular values.
ba.. parent material
34
-------
APPENDIX Ha. HANNA MINESOIL, ORGANIC MATTER AND ORGANIC CARBON
Hanna Spoil
AI
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
Al2
A18
A2t4
Bl
B2
B3
Bu
B5
B6
B12
B18
Cl
C2
C3
GU
C5
C6
Cl2
cie
DI
D2
D3
DI,
DS
DG
Di2
Die
Depth (cm)
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
60.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
% Organic Matter*
3.19
3.16
5.30
5.55
5.55
5.86
5.90
4.64
3.34
3.24
3.99
3.87
3.53
4.15
4.23
6.32
4.49
6.00
5.34
6.07
5.93
5.28
4.83
4.59
4.84
7.18
4.61
3.53
3.24
2.76
2.68
3.21
3.00
% Organic Carbon*
1.85
1.83
3.07
3.22
3.22
3.40
3.42
2.69
1.94
1.88
2.32
2.25
2.05
2.40
2.45
3.67
2.60
3.48
3.09
3.52
3.44
3.06
2.80
2.66
2.81
4.16
2.67
2.05
1.88
1.60
1.55
1.86
1.74
An average of two laboratory determinations.
35
-------
APPENDIX lib. ELMO MINESOIL, ORGANIC MATTER AND ORGANIC CARBON
Elmo Spoil
II
12
is
I«4
is
IG
1 12
Il8
Hi
II2
II 3
114
US
116
Hl2
Hl8
IIIl
III2
ills
IIIii
1115
Hl6
IHl2
IV l
IV2
IV 3
IVi|
IV5
IV6
IV12
Elmo
IIIl
III2
III3
III»»
III5
III6
PM=80
Depth (cm)
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
45.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
30.0
III Native Soil,
2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
12.5
15.0
% Organic Matter* '
5.35
5.04
5.15
4.71
4.59
4.62
4.67
5.43
6.66
6.23
5.92
5.80
5.24
5.58
5.70
5.79
6.40
6.38
6.30
6.49
6.05
5.58
4.90
6.51
6.66
6.35
6.35
6.45
5.96
5.82
Organic Matter and Organic
4.19
2.29
1.72
1.48
2.25
3.07
4.67
£ Organic Carbon*
3.11
2.93
2.99
2.74
2.66
2.68
2.71
3.14
3.86
3.61
3.43
3.36
3.04
3.23
3.30
3.36
3.71
3.70
3.65
3.76
3.51
3.23
2.84
3.77
3.86
3.68
3.68
3.74
3.45
3.38
Carbon
2.43
1.19
1.00
0.86
1.31
1.78
2.71
An average of two laboratory determinations.
36
-------
APPENDIX Ilia. MOISTURE SATURATION PERCENTAGES FOR ELMO MINESOIL SAMPLES
//
II
I2
13
Ii*
is
IG
Il2
Il8
III
II2
«3
««»
«5
He
II12
His
III!
III2
IH3
nil,
1115
III6
III12
IV i
IV2
IV3
IV<*
ivs
ivs
IV12
Can wt
Gr
22.38
22.54
22.74
22.97
22.00
22.58
22.78
21.72
21.68
22.23
22.32
22.61
22.49
22.49
21.35
21.67
22.57
22.87
22.53
22.72
22.26
22.85
22.50
22.20
22.50
22.42
21.78
22.02
22.10
22.58
Can + 25g
Paste Gr
47.38
47.54
47.74
47.97
47.00
47.58
47.78
46.72
46.68
47.23
47.32
47.61
47.49
47.49
47.35
46.67
47.57
47.87
47.53
47.72
47.26
47.85
47.50
47.20
47.50
47.42
46.78
47.02
47.10
47.58
Can + 25g
Ovendried
39.86
40.03
39.27
39.18
39.63
40.28
39.97
38.56
38.35
40.05
40.35
39.62
39.53
40.27
39.70
38.92
40.20
40.12
38.31
38.83
39.09
38.73
39.21
38.80
39.29
39.12
38.00
38.24
37.51
39.27
A
Gr
7.52
7.51
8.47
7.79
7.37
7.30
7.81
8.16
8.33
7.18
6.97
7.99
7.96
7.22
7.65
7.75
7.37
7.75
9.22
8.89
8.17
9.12
8.29
8.40
8.21
8.30
8.78
8.78
9.59
8.31
A x 100
Gr
752
751
847
779
737
730
781
816
833
718
697
799
796
722
765
775
737
775
922
889
817
912
829
840
821
830
878
878
959
831
(Can + od)
- (Can) Gr
17.48
17.49
16.53
16.21
17.63
17.70
17.19
16.84
16.67
17.82
18.03
17.01
17.04
17.78
17.35
17.25
17.63
17.25
15.78
16.11
16.83
15.88
16.71
16.60
16.79
16.70
16.22
16.22
15.41
16.69
Sat %
43.02
42.94
51.24
48.06
41.80
41.24
45.43
48.46
49.97
49.29
38.66
46.97
46.71
40.61
44.09
44.93
41.80
44.93
58.43
55.18
48.54
57.43
49.61
50.60
48.90
49.70
54.13
54.13
62.23
49.79
37
-------
//
Vl
V2
V3
V4
V5
ve
Via
Vie
VIj
VI2
VI 3
VI4
VI5
vis
VI12
VII!
VII2
VII3
Vlli,
VII5
VII6
Can wt
Gr
22.51
22.57
22. 44
22.68
21.84
22.75
22.55
22.04
22.28
22.86
22.20
22.25
22.22
22.45
22.56
21.82
22.35
21.83
22.83
22.65
22.55
Can + 25g
Paste Gr
47.51
47.57
47.44
47.68
46.84
47.75
47.55
47.04
47.38
47.86
47.20
47.25
47.22
47.45
47.56
46.82
47.35
46.83
47.83
47.65
47.55
Can + 25g
Ovendried
39.45
39.81
39.15
39.90
38.95
39.52
39.89
38.69
39.93
40.63
39.76
39.39
39.44
39.87
39.44
38.55
39.63
39.24
39.75
40.13
30.18
A
Gr
8.06
7.76
8.29
7.78
7.89
8.23
7.66
8.35
7.45
7.23
7.44
7.86
7.78
7.58
8.12
8.27
7.72
7.59
8.08
7.52
7.37
A x 100
Gr
806
776
829
778
789
823
766
835
745
723
744
786
778
758
812
827
772
759
808
752
737
(Can + od)
- (Can) Gr
16.94
17.24
16.71
17.22
17.11
16.77
17.34
16.65
17.55
17.77
17.56
17.14
17.22
17.42
16.88
16.73
17.28
17.41
16.92
17.48
17.63
Sat %
47.58
45.01
49.61
45.18
46.11
49.08
44.18
50.15
42.45
40.69
42.37
45.86
45.18
43.51
48.10
49.43
44.68
43.60
47.75
43.02
41.80
38
-------
APPENDIX Illb. MOISTURE SATURATION PERCENTAGES FOR HANNA MINESOIL SAMPLES
f
Al
A2
A3
An
A5
A6
AJ 2
Al8
A24
B!
B2
B3
B*
B5
BG
B12
Bl8
Cl
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
Cl2
Cl8
Dl
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D12
DIG
El
E2
E3
Eu
E5
E6
£12
EIS
E2i*
Can wt
21.82
22.54
22.79
22.05
22.03
22.61
22.84
22.47
23.06
21.67
22.26
22.37
22.64
22.54
22.52
22.39
21.70
22.54
22.83
22.52
22.71
22.25
22.69
22.50
23.00
22.20
22.48
22.43
21.78
22.08
22.13
22.59
22.51
21.50
22.46
22.52
22.00
22.09
22.47
22.42
22.64
22.04
Can + 25g
Paste
46.82
47.54
47.79
47.05
47.03
47.61
47.84
47.47
48.06
46.67
47.26
47.37
47.64
47.54
47.52
47.39
46.70
47.54
47.83
47.52
47.71
47.25
47.69
47.50
48.00
47.20
47.48
47.43
46.78
47.08
47.13
47.59
47.51
46.50
47.46
47.52
47.00
47.09
47.47
47.42
47.64
47.04
Can + 25g
Ovendried
41.29
42.00
41.41
41.13
40.85
41.20
41.82
41.78
42.66
41.04
41.27
41.64
41.96
41.60
41.93
31.13
40.83
41.45
41.72
41.71
41.59
41.83
41.90
41.75
42.71
40.48
41.15
41.03
39.88
41.15
40.47
41.47
41.35
41.39
41.11
40.93
40.15
40.26
39.85
40.56
40.93
41.32
A
5.53
5.54
6.38
5.92
6.18
6.41
6.02
5.69
5.40
5.66
5.99
5.73
5.68
5.94
5.59
6.26
5.87
6.09
6.11
5.81
6.12
5.42
5.79
5.75
5.29
6.72
6.33
6.40
6.90
5.93
6.66
6.12
6.16
5.11
6.35
6.59
6.85
6.83
7.62
6.86
6.71
5.72
A
x 100
553
554
638
592
618
641
602
569
540
566
599
573
568
594
559
626
587
609
611
581
612
542
579
575
529
672
633
640
690
593
666
612
616
511
635
659
685
683
762
686
671
572
(Can + oil)
- (can)
19.47
19.46
18.62
19.08
18.82
18.59
18.98
19.31
19.60
19.34
19.01
19.27
19.32
19.06
19.41
18.74
19.13
18.91
18.89
19.19
18.88
19.58
19.21
19.25
19.71
18.28
18.67
18.60
18.10
19.07
18.34
18.88
18.84
19.89
18.65
18.41
18.15
18.17
17.38
18.14
18.29
19.28
Sat %
28.40
28.47
34.26
31.03
32.84
34.48
31.72
29.47
27.55
29.27
31.51
29.74
29.40
31.16
28.80
33.40
30.68
32.31
32.25
30.28
32.42
27.68
30.14
28.87
26.84
36.76
33.90
34.41
38.12
31.10
36.31
32.42
32.70
25.69
34.05
35.80
37.74
37.59
43.84
37.82
36.69
29.67
39
-------
APPENDIX IVa. SOLUBLE CATIONS IN ELMO MINESOIL SAMPLES
//
II
*2
13
14
I5
%
Il2
Il8
Hi
II2
113
I^
US
"6
II12
Hl8
III!
III2
Ills
IIL,
ins
III6
IHl2
IVl
IV2
IV3
IVi»
IV5
IV5
IV12
Na
Meq/L
1.17
1.12
.43
.54
.64
1.30
1.08
1.16
2.88
1.54
1.49
1.04
1.01
1.25
1.79
2.20
1.74
1.01
.62
.54
.87
.42
.64
4.78
4.95
5.27
2.95
2.41
2.12
.97
Na
Meq/lOOg
.05
.05
.02
.03
.03
.05
.04
.06
.14
.06
.06
.05
.05
.05
.08
.10
.07
.05
.04
.03
.04
.02
.03
.24
.24
.26
.16
.13
.13
.05
Ca
Meq/L
6.19
5.00
3.11
4.86
5.51
11.65
26.91
27.09
12.65
5.63
3.60
5.10
5.99
20.00
31.34
26.36
14.05
8.73
5.09
5.34
6.16
3.85
25.33
25.81
27.00
31.32
25.44
25.11
23.79
17.60
Ca
Meq/lOOg
.27
.21
.16
.23
.23
.48
1.11
1.31
.63
.23
.14
.24
.23
.81
1.38
1.18
.59
.39
.30
.29
.30
.22
1.25
1.31
1.32
1.55
1.38
1.36
1.48
.88
Mg
Meq/L
5.21
4.04
3.00
3.81
4.17
9.10
34.92
30.15
11.04
5.10
2.85
3.87
3.40
7.10
34.04
37.92
12.60
8.71
5.08
6.52
6.40
4.50
23.71
28.46
35.12
38.75
31.21
28.94
27.75
20.13
Mg
Meq/lOOg
.22
.17
.15
.20
.17
.38
1.43
1.46
.55
.21
.11
.18
.16
.29
1.50
1.70
.53
.39
.30
.36
.31
.26
1.18
1.44
1.72
1.93
1.69
1.57
1.73
1.00
K-
Meq/L
1.27
.96
.77
.65
.47
.83
.56
.63
2.78
1.10
.78
.66
.49
.62
.81
.89
1.16
1.08
.76
.78
.99
.68
.38
2.87
2.48
2.46
1.67
1.82
1.72
.46
K-
Meq/lOOg
.05
.04
.04
.03
.02
.03
.02
.03
.14
.05
.03
.03
.02
.03
.04
.04
.05
.05
.04
.04
.05
.04
.02
.15
.12
.12
.09
.10
.11
.02
40
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APPENDIX IVb. SOLUBLE CATIONS IN HANNA MINESOIL SAMPLES
Na Na
# Meq/L Meq/lOOe
Al
A2
A3
AU
AS
AG
Al2
A! 8
A2I+
B!
B2
B3
Oil
fic
BG
B12
BIS
Cl
C2
C3
Ci,
C5
CG
Cl2
Cl8
Dl
D2
D3
DI,
DS
DG
Di2
Die
El
E2
E3
Ei,
E5
EG
E12
El8
£21,
14.52
8.36
7.72
8.47
7.39
5.54
1.53
2.07
1.67
.39
1.29
.37
.45
.57
.40
2.45
.92
9.93
4.33
2.82
4.10
2.07
2.39
1.40
1.15
.64
.70
.93
.77
1.42
2.09
4.62
1.80
1.90
1.36
1.03
.87
2.29
.77
.46
.70
.97
.41
.24
.26
.26
.24
.19
.05
.06
.05
.01
.04
.01
.01
.02
.01
.08
.03
.32
.14
.09
.13
.06
.07
.04
.03
.02
.02
.03
.03
.04
.08
.15
.06
.05
.05
.04
.03
.09
.03
.02
.03
.03
Ca Ca Mg
Meq/L Meq/lOOg Meq/L
4.55
4.60
5.45
9.56
8.33
10.54
31.71
62.99
57.30
6.45
5.53
5.11
4.58
5.43
6.26
27.41
19.73
31.50
25.73
32.20
44.45
30.96
30.93
34.86
48.70
5.00
4.08
3.50
3.58
3.73
3.91
5.61
20.51
2.50
5.63
6.04
15.44
4.59
12.75
40.50
71.76
50.69
.13
.13
.19
.30
.27
.36
1.01
1.86
1.58
.19
.17
.15
.14
.17
.18
.92
.61
1.02
.83
.98
1.44
.86
.93
1.01
1.31
.18
.14
.12
.14
.12
.14
.18
.67
.06
.19
.12
.58
.17
.56
1.53
2.63
1.50
4.21
3.50
3.52
6.40
7.58
9.29
136.75
100.83
84.25
3.44
4.06
2.23
1.88
2.00
2.35
18.42
13.00
26.94
19.06
24.29
45.33
24.60
24.73
28.60
54.42
3.37
2.40
2.15
1.85
2.15
2.13
3.90
30.40
1.90
3.13
3.23
8.12
2.75
7.35
46.56
55.77
48.60
Mg
Meq/lOOg
.12
.10
.12
.20
.25
.32
4.34
2.97
2.32
.10
.13
.07
.06
.06
.07
.62
.40
.87
.62
.74
1.47
.68
.75
.83
1.46
.12
.08
.07
.07
.07
.08
.13
.99
.05
.11
.12
.31
.10
.32
1.76
2.05
1.44
K- K-
Meq/L Meq/lOOe
2.67
1.58
.94
.86
.74
.41
.48
.52
.55
.96
.94
.92
.95
.86
.76
1.01
.62
4.35
1.61
.50
.82
.32
.66
.32
.29
2.65
2.31
1.43
.81
.55
.23
.24
.22
1.70
.65
.29
.20
1.40
.13
.20
.24
.30
.08
.05
.03
.03
.02
.01
.02
.02
.02
.03
.03
.03
.03
.03
.02
.03
.02
.14
.05
.02
.03
.01
.02
.01
.01
.10
.08
.05
.03
.02
.01
.01
.01
.04
.02
.01
.01
.05
.01
.01
.01
.01
41
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing]
REPORT NO.
EPA-600/7-79-253
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
SOIL DEVELOPMENT AND NITRATES IN MINESOIL
5. REPORT DATE
December 1979 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
P. C. Singleton
D. A. Barker
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
CR-8
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Wyoming
P. 0. Box 3354 -University Station
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
INE 623
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
684-15-35
EPA-IAG D6-E762
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Lab.
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
- Cinn, OH
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final Aug. 1976 to Sept 1978
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/12
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
This project is part of the EPA
Interagency Energy/Environment R & D Program in
planned and coordinated Federal
Cooperation with USDA, SEA-CR.
Samples of minesoils from 16- and 40-year-old mine spoil piles were analyzed in the
laboratory for various chemical and physical properties to ascertain to what extent tb
material have been influenced by pedogenic processes during their relatively brief
Do^enrl fT^T N*trate levels in the minesoils were also measured to determine if a
potential hazard exists. Results of the study indicated that both the 16- and 40-year-
old materials showed signs of incipient soil development. The data also showed-that
nitrate levels ln the minesoils are higher than in adjacent undisturbed native soils.
in general however, the levels in the minesoil still are within the range normally ex-
pected for arable soils, it also appears that the nitrate level in the minesoil de-
creases with time of exposure.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Contract No. 684-15-35 by the University
°t Wyoming under the sponsorship of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. This
report covers the period August 7, 1976 to September 30. 1978.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
Soils
Coal
Coal Mines
Spoil
Nitrate
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
Pedogenic processes
Wyoming
Overburden
Hanna Basin
S.A.R.
c. COSATI Field/Group
13 B
8. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
52
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (R«v. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
42
U S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFMCE 1980-657-146/5524
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