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Decomposition of Wood-Residue Amendments in Revegetated Bentonite Mine Spoils

USDA-ARS, High Plains Grasslands Res. Stn., 8408 Hildreth Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82009

S. E. Belden

North Antelope Coal Co., Gillette, WY 82717-3032

* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Restoration of decomposition processes in revegetated mine spoils is important in ensuring the long-term success of their reclamation. This study was conducted to determine the decomposition of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws) wood residue amendments in a revegetated saline-sodic bentonite mine spoil. A buried-litter-bag technique was used to assess the effect of wood-residue amendment and N-fertilizer rates on the decomposition of wood residue in revegetated bentonite spoils. Decomposition differed significantly between years and averaged 8.8, 10.4, 16.1, and 25.3% after 1, 2, 3, and 5 yr, respectfully, across all wood-residue treatments. Decomposition increased significantly as N-fertilizer rates increased, averaging 10.6, 14.3, 18.8, and 20.8% over 5 yr for the 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kg N Mg^–1 of wood residue treatments, respectively. Wood-residue amendment rate did not significantly influence decomposition, even though it significantly increased spoil water content. Decomposition processes appear to be proceeding despite the unfavorable physical and chemical characteristics of the spoil and should ensure the reclamation success of these disturbed ecosystems.

Research was supported in part by Wyoming Dep. of Environmental Quality, Land Quality Division, Cheyenne, WY.

Received for publication January 5, 1990.

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