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TABLE 3 Estimated Acreage of Existing Soils in the Area to be Mined Soil Type Acreage % of Total Capay 3.1 2 % El Solyo 0.2 <0.1% Vernalis 68.8 47% Xerofluents 22.0 15% Zacharias 52,1 36 Total 146.3 100% STORIE INDEX The following paragraphs are quoted from the Soil Survey of San Joaquin County. California and was prepared by Gordon L. Huntington, soil specialist, Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis. "The soils in the survey area are rated according to the Storie Index. This index expresses numerically the relative degree of suitability of a soil for general intensive agriculture uses at the time of evaluation. The rating is based on soil characteristics only and is obtained by evaluating such factors as soil depth,texture of the surface soil, subsoil characteristics and surface relief. Availability of water for irrigation,local climate,size and accessibility of mapped areas,distance from markets and other factors that might determine the desirability of growing certain plants in a given locality are not considered." Thus, this system differs from the capability classifications which, in most cases, lowers the class of the soil if irrigation water is unavailable. In the Storie Index rating soils are not down graded if irrigation water is unavailable or the climate is not suited for the crops to be planted . "Four general factors are used in determining the index rating-A,the permeability, available water capacity, and depth of soil;B,the texture of the surface soil;C,the dominant slope of the soil body;and X,other factors more readily subject to management or modification by the land user. In this survey area,these conditions include drainage, flooding,saline-sodic conditions, fertility, acidity,erosion, and micro-relief. For some soils more than one of these conditions are used in determining the rating. A rating of 100 percent expresses the most favorable,or ideal, condition for general crop production. Lower percentage ratings are assigned for less favorable conditions or characteristics. Factor ratings, in percentages, are selected from tables prepared from data and observations that relate soil properties to plant growth and crop yields." "Soils are assigned grades according to their suitability for general intensive agriculture as shown by their Storie Index ratings. Grade I soils are well suited to intensively grown irrigated crops. Grade 2 soils are good agricultural soils,although not as desirable as Grade 1 soils. Grade 3 soils are only fairly well suited to agriculture. Grade 4 soils are poorly suited to agriculture. " 8