Survival and Coverage by Several Nitrogen-Fixing Trees and Shrubs on Lime-Amended Acid Mine Spoil

Acid mine spoil was amended with agricultural-grade lime (CaC03) (0.0, 12.5, 25, and 39 tons per hectare) and planted with Alnus glutinosa (European alder), Caragana aborescens (Siberian peashrub), Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive), Myrica pensylvanica (northern bayberry), Robinia fertilis 'Arnot' (bristly locust), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), and Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry). Addition of lime caused significant linear increases in soil pH. To maintain a pH above 5.5, 39 metric tons per hectare were required because of the acidic nature of the mine spoil. Survival of plant material was greatest at the highest lime addition, although responses of individual species varied. Elaeagnus umbellata, R. pseudoacací¡¬ R. fertilis 'Arnot', and A. glutinosa appeared more tolerant of the harsh conditions. Total coverage and growth (projected biomass) was proportional to the amount of added lime for all species except R. pseudoacacia, R, fertilis 'Arnot', and M. pensylvanica. The two Robinia species showed no response above 25 tons per hectare and M. pensylvanica. The two Robinia species showed no response above 25 tons per hectare and M. pensylvanica performed best at lower pH. Tree Planters' Notes 37(3):27-31; 1986.

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Author(s): David L. Hensley, Philip L. Carpenter

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volumes 37, Number 4 (1986)

Section: General

Volume: 37

Number: 4