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J 37 7 densities of planted or invaders even after four growing seasons reinforces this point. Finally, not only does Treatment 7 enhance the moisture holding capacity of the spoil but it also contributes substantially to the percent organic matter in the spoil. Treatment 7 exhibits many excellent qualities, yet its failure to 7 produce the highest levels of biomass and cover, coupled with its introduction J of undesirable annuals, limits its potentials as a first choice in a reclama- tion plan (Figures 6-8) . The graphical results over simplify Treatment 7's weakness. Cheatgrass, the dominant component on the manure treatment, is a cool-season species tha t starts growth in early spring and matures by very J early summer. Biomass was determined for the se eded species and not invaders; therefore, by sampling time cheatgrass had started to senesce and some plant parts had already been carried away by the wind. The young stand of ko chia ] was established and just beginning its growth. The point to be made is that biomass and cover on Treatment 7 is pro bably substantially higher than indi- l J toted by the data. But assuming manure can produce the highest levels of 7 plant vigor and diversity, it still holds no place in reclaiming the dolomite spoils because of the undesirable seeds it carries. If manure can be obtained at a reasonable price and in a form relatively seed-free, it could aid establishment and reduce long-term maintenance casts to the reclamation plan. The seed-free criteria cannot be stressed enough as l the weeds often form a near monoculture and thus reduce the stability of the J plant community as a whole. Sewage sludge could prove to be a good alternative to manure for adding organic matter and nutrients to the waste materials. In many reclamation _1 studies it has shown to greatly enhance plant growth, even in excess of manure, 1 fertilizer, and mulching amendments. It has several inherent drawbacks such