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4. Preparation of this report which summarizes the results of field observations and laboratory analyses. In addition, this report will address the pertinent soil reclamation issues described in the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (S.M.A.R.A.) of 1975. Items discussed in this report are soil types, existing soil limitations and mitigation measures, crop suitability, soil handling and replacement techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS A backhoe was used to dig and expose subsurface soils in the selected locations. Some considerations used in selecting the backhoe study areas were site boundaries and proposed mining areas. Backhoe excavation site locations were established using visual observations of the surface soils and directed by the general soil map in the USDA Soil Conservation Service publication Soil Survey of San Joaquin County. California. The backhoe excavations were laid out in an adjusted grid pattern in order to evaluate all of the soil series mapped by the Soil Conservation Service (S.C.S.). The selected backhoe excavations were located in the field using an aerial photograph and plotted on a scaled map provided by Teichert, Inc. The excavations selected for evaluation were initially advanced down to four feet ten inches. Once the excavation activities were completed, the exposed soils were visually examined, and soil samples were recovered for chemical, organic and bulk density analyses. The excavations were then advanced down to about five or six feet. The subsoils below four feet ten inches were retrieved by the backhoe and placed on the soil surface for observation and sampling. The soil physical characteristics were recorded and additional soil samples completed,where necessary. The soil physical characteristics recorded include depth of horizon, boundary, color, texture, structure, lime presence and moist consistence (see Appendix B Glossary of Terms). Soil color was determined using the Munsell Soil Color Chart. The texture by feel method was used to evaluate soil textures in the field. A mechanical analysis was performed on some samples to "fine tune " the texture by feel method. Depth of horizon, boundary, structure and moist consistence are the result of visual observations. Lime presence was a qualitative evaluation of effervescence after 1 + 1 HCL was applied to the soil profile. The soil classification system used to describe the exposed soil profiles is listed in the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service Agriculture Handbook No. 436 Soil Taxonomy. The soil profile descriptions are attached (see Appendix B). All soil samples were submitted to Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc. for soil fertility assay, organic matter or bulk density analysis. The results of analysis are attached (see Appendix C). 4 Y