Variability of Minesoils and Natural Soils in Southeastern Montana

Abstract A study of minesoil variability near Colstrip, Montana, showed that different kinds of soils exist within mine areas, and that individual soil bodies are large enough to map at a scale of >1:10,000. Minesoils were more variable than natural soils at the local scale (0–10 m lateral spacing), while natural soils were more variable at the landscape scale (>500 m lateral spacing). Fourteen soil families were recognized in a 300‐ha natural landscape while only two soil families were found on mined land. Variation in natural soil properties was correlated with geomorphic variables while minesoil variability was related to mining and reclamation methods. Problems were encountered while attempting to classify soils according to Soil Taxonomy .