How high can organic topsoils be stockpiled before deteriation of soil
quality.  These stockpiled soils will be used for reclamation of
disturbed sites in a temperant zone of the BC coast.

johnbe,

I am very concerned about what remaining rain forests we still have on
this planet so I am offering some research to you in hopes that you
find your answer quicker.

I have discovered the following resources that may assist you:

http://web.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/10753321561Soil_as_a_living_systeme.doc
 This first site is specific towards replacing disturbed topsoil of
forests specifically.  Temperate rainforests and tropical rainforests
are contrasted. While I did not see a referance to maximum stockpile
height, the author explains some very important aspects of restoring
forest growth rather than timber for industry.  She mentions the
importance of keeping soil horizons intact and speaks of new equipment
move blocks of topsoil much like moving sod mats.  I found the
subnotes to be especially helpful in deliniating this author's work
from the work of others.


http://www.hort.agri.umn.edu/h5015/99papers/strohmayer.htm
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/landuse/restore/
  In these two publishings, 1 METER is stated as the maximum
recommended height of stockpiles, but both state that even piles less
than this height can sustain damage (the excavation technique, mixing
of subsoil layers, as well as the duration the soil is  stockpiled are
all impotant factors).  The second site is very well organized and
offers quite a bit of information.  Many references are supplied by
this author as well.

I sincerely hope this helps!