Experiments on Ecological Restoration of Coal Mine Spoil using Native Trees in a Dry Tropical Environment, India: A Synthesis

background

This article outlines a series of experiments on the growth performance of 17 native tree species, as well the suitability of select species for use in plantations and to restore soil fertility on an abandoned coal mine in India. All 17 species grew in degraded mine soil, with A. catechu, B. racemosa, D. strictus, L. coromandelica and T. arjuna showing the highest biomass accumulation in mine soil; certain species showed higher biomass accumulation in mine soil fertilized with full or half doses of NPK.

Research Goals & Methods

The direct seeding technique on both flat and sloping surfaces was evaluated for 8 species.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Z. jujuba obtained the greatest height on flat surfaces while A. indica exhibited the best height growth on sloping surfaces; S. cumini exhibited the largest diameter growth on flat surfaces while T. arjuna had the largest diameter growth on sloping surfaces. After five years, the total biomass and total net production in the monoculture plantations of 8 species was measured. The largest total biomass and total net production was observed in the D. strictus plantation. Monoculture plantations of four species (A. lebbeck, A. procera, T. grandis, and D. strictus) were analyzed to determine their effects on soil redevelopment. The total organic carbon content, soil Kjelhal N, and microbial biomass was greatest for A. lebbeck. The authors hold that native tree plantations can attribute significantly to soil redevelopment on degraded mine soil.