CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Baig, M.N.
Date : 1992
Title : Natural revegetation of coal mine spoils in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and its significance for species selection in land restoration
Publication : Mountain Research and Development.
Issue : 12(2):
Page(s) : 285-304
Abstract
High-altitude coal waste areas are usually difficult to revegetate. However, naturally occurring plant species may be adapted to the extremely harsh substrate of these waste areas. Ten coal waste areas (spoils) of varying ages in the Rocky Mountains in Alberta were analyzed for physical and chemical properties and vegetation composition. Older spoils have a reduced fraction of coarse material, a higher clay content, a greater moisture retention capacity at -1.5 MPa, and higher levels of available N, P, K, and S, as compared to younger spoils, indicating physical and chemical weathering of the spoil rock minerals at the older sites. Natural revegetation of the coal spoils is sparse and patchy with low plant cover and this fact may be attributed to poor moisture and nutrient availability. Colonization by certain species is effective because of their low growth-form, efficient vegetative reproduction mechanism, low nutrient requirements, and/or N-fixing ability. A total of 59 frequently occurring native plant species on coal waste areas were evaluated for their potential in revegetation. A majority of these species seem to have excellent potential for revegetation of high-altitude coal mine disturbed areas in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology