2008-03-12_REPORT - C1982057 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1982057
• IBM Index Class Name: REPORT
• Doc Date: 3/12/2008
• Doc Name: 2007 Annual Reclamation Report
• From: Seneca Coal Company
• To: DRMS
• Permit Index Doc Type: Annual Reclamation Report
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

•
Project Abstract
Successful re-establishment of aspen on surface-mined lands in the western
United States is problematic, because the species regenerates vegetatively by
sprouting from parent roots in the soil which is removed in the mining process.
Previous attempts to plant aspen seedlings on reclaimed mines have failed
because transplanted root sprouts or seedlings do not have an extensive root
system to access water and nutrients for rapid growth. This research builds on
work previously funded by the Seneca Coal Company in western Colorado to
identify factors that limit the growth and survival of planted aspen. The use of
supplemental irrigation to help establish planted aspen was tested; and growth and
survival of three types of aspen stock on two soil types were compared. Soil and
water conditions were monitored, and the effect of weed control on planting
success was examined. The best combination of conditions for reproduction of
aspen on reclaimed surface mined coal lands uses transplanted saplings from
local sources on freshly placed soil removed from aspen stands. Growth was
significantly higher when weeds were controlled around individual trees. Irrigation
with non-saline water may enhance growth and survival in years with drought
conditions.
Regional Special Interest Topic:
Wildlife Conservation and Reforestation
Reforestation-Improving survival and quality, and encouraging reforestation
Project Description
Objectives:
1. Determine if supplemental drip irrigation will allow transplanted aspen
saplings to survive and grow on reclaimed surface mined lands at a western
Colorado site.
2. Quantify second and third-year growth and physiologic condition of bare-
root saplings transplanted to replaced topsoil, aspen sprouting from root segments
transferred with replaced topsoil, and nursery-grown potted aspen saplings planted
in replaced topsoil.
3. Compare irrigation water quality and characteristics of replaced topsoil to
that of water and soils in intact aspen groves located on adjacent un-mined lands.
4. Quantify the effects of mechanical weed control on growth and survival of
young aspen trees.
5. Quantify root growth and development of transplanted aspen saplings,
natural root sprouts, and nursery-grown potted aspen seedlings after three growing
seasons.
Background:
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the most widespread tree species in
. North America (Baker 1925; Preston 1976; Lieffers and others 2001), and thought
to be second in worldwide range only to Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) (Jones