British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium

Establishment of wooded landscapes from seed on disturbed land; the effects of aspect and mulching on seedling recruitment and growth Luke, A. G. R.

Abstract

Slopes of varying aspect commonly occur as a result of regrading mine spoil heaps and in earthworks associated with highway developments. Aspect and slope affect soil temperature and moisture availability, which control seed germination and seedling emergence. Poor seedling emergence, survival and growth has been observed on different aspects. Information from previous studies on these affects is summarized and compared with recent studies on broadleaved species. Experimental work on mine spoil and highway developments investigated the effects of aspect on the seedling recruitment and growth of Common alder (Alnus glutinosa), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur). Species responded differentially to the effects of aspect. The experiments indicated that soil moisture and temperature could be modified by mulching, which increased seedling emergence. The effects of aspect on seedling recruitment can be ameliorated by the application of a mulch.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International