We have a plot of soil (about 8 by 60 m in size) which was
covered, in 1961, with plastic (like that used to line
irrigation canals) and straw bales.  Apparently the original
intent was to exclude radioactive fallout from bomb tests.

My questions for anyone interested is:  How unique is a
plot of soil which has been under wrap for >35 years?
Is the plot of any value to science, and is there any point
in maintaining the plot for future studies?

We are sampling the plot, and may use it as a 'relatively
less contaminated' reference for studies of bomb C dynamics.
For this purpose, however, we prefer soils which were
collected in the early 1950's and stored in glass.  We may
use the covered plot, in comparison with adjacent field plots,
as a long-term incubation to evaluate soil carbon stability.

We likely will remove the cover and recondition the plot for
future use, unless we can justiify its continued maintenance.

I would appreciate any insight to the value of the plot.
- cheers.

Ben Ellert
Agriiculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Centre,
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada    T1J 4B1
phone:  403-317-2230       fax: 403-317-2187
email:  [log in to unmask]