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<br />Seedbed preparation and seeding cause surface soil disturbance and tend to reduce the <br />number of seedlings established depending on the type and extent of operations. Crofts <br />and Parkins (1979) found that tillage associated with revegetation significantly reduced <br />natural seedling establishment. Similarly, transects which were located in retopsoiled <br />areas that were disked showed lower or no shrub densities. While more limited in its <br />affect, drill seeding operations may reduce seedling establishment also. <br />In those areas where topsoil is carefully replaced and direct haul topsoil is maximized, <br />reestablishment of the native communifies is greatly improved. Succession in the re- <br />claimed plant communities is enhanced and begins as secondary versus primary succes- <br />sion. Secondary succession is characterized by community development on sites <br />previously occupied by well-developed rnmmunities or sites where nutrients and condi- <br />tions of existence are already favorable (ODUM 1975). Primary succession would be <br />successional processes that occur on those ceas of unreclaimed spoil piles. <br />Conclusions <br />~Stolylistt-r~tt of°waody vegetoti~n in reclaimed landscapes by natural regeneration is <br />feasible and can be ferrher•enhanced by proper reclamation procedure. Maximizing <br />direct haul topsoil repiacemept and i~uring•tha# upper lifts are replaced near the su[- <br />taceof the reclaimed areas as often as is feasible are minimum requirements. ICtFhimiz-c <br />ing seedbed preparation. whenever possible will also iruure a higher level of seedling <br />survival. Sfiredd'mg vegetatidn-prior to topsoil stripping and minimizing the use of dozers <br />during brush removal will insure that a maximum amount of seed, rooting materials, and <br />organic matter are replaced in the reclaimed areas. An additional benefit, often over- <br />looked, is the enhanced possibility for mpid restoration of the rhizosphere where inte~- <br />action between plants (roots} and soH micrwrganlsms result in critical nutrient cycling, <br />energp -flow, and stimulation of plant growth and increased microbial populations \ <br />(Richards 1974). This particular area is in need of increased study, particularly in relo- <br />tion to improving plant establishment and succession in reclaimed communities. <br />Environmental conditions (i.e., premine plant communities, soils and climate) will deter- <br />mine the potential for natural shrub regeneration. However, natural shrub regeneration <br />from direct haul of topsoil can playa major role in reestablishing overall woody plant <br />densities in the reclaimed landscapes. In the case of woody plant establishment, this <br />would then allow planting efforts and limited resources to be directed to those areas that <br />contribute to critical habitat and improve wildlife habitat edge and diversity. <br />- 10- <br />