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0 Root growth: <br />Similar to top growth, root growth was greater in weeded plots compared to non-weeded plots on <br />the roto-cleared soil. Effect of weeding on root growth of dozer cleared soils was less evident, <br />likely since weed competition was considerably less and growth was less on the dozer cleared <br />soils. Roots in most treatments were of sufficient size but too deep to support suckering. <br />Nevertheless, sucker initiation was likely inhibited by apical dominance of the growing trees. <br />Lateral root extension was progressing, but was considerably slower in the un-weeded plots and <br />on the dozer cleared soils. The upward growth of roots toward the soil surface that was observed <br />indicates that care should be taken in future plantings to plant trees only to a depth of the original <br />root collar. <br />OVERALL RECOMMENDATION <br />Best conditions for reproduction of aspen on reclaimed surface mined coal lands is by using <br />transplanted saplings from local sources on freshly placed soil removed from aspen stands. Care <br />should be taken to avoid compaction of the replaced soil. Transplanted trees should be planted no <br />deeper than the original root collar, and weeds should be controlled around individual trees. <br />Irrigation with non-saline water might enhance growth and survival in years with drought <br />conditions. <br />0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS <br />We acknowledge the assistance of Lance Asherin, John Frank, and John <br />Korfmacher, Rocky Mountain Research Station and Dominic Olivas, Colorado <br />State University in conducting this study; and Roy Karo, Peabody Energy, <br />for providing irrigation water and local logistical support. This study was partially <br />funded by DOI OSM, Seneca Coal Company, Colorado State University, and the <br />US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. <br />References: <br />Baker, F. S. 1925. Aspen in the central Rocky Mountain region. Bulletin 1291. <br />Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 47 p. <br />Cryer, D.H.; Murray, J.E. 1992. Aspen regeneration and soils. Rangelands. <br />14: (4) 223-226. <br />DeByle, Norbert V. and Winokur, Robert P., eds. 1985. Aspen: ecology and <br />management in the western United States. RM-GTR-119. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. <br />Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range <br />Experiment Station. 283 p. <br />0 DeByle, N.V. 1964. Detection of functional intraclonal aspen root connections