Laserfiche WebLink
2.0 METHODS <br />The above questions logically should be addressed in a manner that first proves the feasibility of using irrigation <br />to improve initial transplant survival, and if successful, subsequently investigate the other questions of growth <br />and ultimate clonal re-establishment. This first study will address the first two questions using an experiment <br />to test drip irrigation at three water application rates on first-season survival and growth of sapling-size aspen <br />transplants obtained locally. <br />Numerous aspen clones existed in this area prior to mining and local clones still exist from which transplant <br />stock could be obtained. Sapling-sized (greater than 4 ft. in height) natural transplants will be used in this <br />initial test because they can be easily obtained on-site at the Seneca II-W Mine site, come from locally <br />acclimated genotypes that have grown in the area for generations, and are tall enough to have minimal <br />competition from herbaceous vegetation. If these transplants survive, future tests can determine if smaller, <br />mass-produced container stock can be utilized as well. <br />Drip irrigation will be tested because it is the most efficient method of delivering water where it can be used by <br />the transplanted trees. In order to save labor in watering the trees and automate the system as much as <br />possible, commercially available drip emitters and distribution lines fed from a large storage tank will be used. A <br />standard electronic timer clock will control solenoid valves that are gravity-fed from the tank to distribute water <br />to the trees. A solar panel will recharge batteries that will power the clock and valves. A control block of un- <br />watered transplants will also be included in the study to complete the study design. <br />Seneca Coal Co. plans to utilize a new technique to remove vegetation prior to mining. A large machine will <br />chop all vegetation into small pieces and incorporate them into the topsoil prior to removal and replacement <br />after mining. The effect that this soil containing high organic matter content may have on survival of planted <br />aspen will be tested by planting half of the trees in this modified topsoil and half in regular topsoil. <br />It is assumed that sapling-sized aspen transplanted in the large open re-vegetated mined areas will be subject <br />to browsing by deer and elk. Therefore, the study site will be fenced to exclude browsing animals, either using <br />conventional field-wire fencing, or 7-ft plastic deer netting hung from 9-gauge wire attached to steel T-posts. <br />If drip irrigation proves successful, future research will determine when fencing can safely be removed. <br />3.0 STUDY DESIGN <br />Four blocks of 100 trees each will be planted. Three watering treatments and an un-watered control will be <br />randomly assigned within the study. Half of each block, or 50 trees, will be planted in regular topsoil and half <br />in topsoil containing ground vegetation. Soil type will not be randomized because of the difficulty of placement <br />by large equipment. Instead, regular and modified topsoil will be replaced side by side on the slope and the <br />study positioned over the two soils. Afour-foot topsoil thickness will be replaced, and the plots will be planted <br />with the shrubs as specified in Planting List 3 and broadcast seeded with Seedmix 6. Weed control will be <br />IG: WI'/J'mm/l'mu II¢'I PpHIAM°d" I]-3 <br />!/43/Oi,b <br />