Natural Mycorrhizal Colonization of Pines on Reclaimed Surface Mines in Virginia

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Abstract
The effects of spoil type, slow‐release fertilization, and weed control using glyphosate on the degree of ectomycorrhizal colonization of container‐grown white (Pinus strobus L.), loblolly (P. taeda L.), and Virginia (P. virginiana Mill.) pines were studied on two strip‐mined sites (sandstone vs. siltstone overburden material) in southwestern Virginia. Although some seedlings were successfully colonized at both sites, the number of seedlings colonized and the proportion of short‐root colonization per seedling were consistently higher on the sandstone spoil. On both sites, loblolly and Virginia pines had more ectomycorrhizal formation than white pine. Foliar P levels of all three species on the sandstone spoil and of loblolly pine on the siltstone spoil were significantly correlated with ectomycorrhizal development. The degree of ectomycorrhizal formation for any of the species on either spoil was not decreased by slow‐release fertilization or glyphosate applications. These results indicate that natural mycorrhizal colonization is compatible with these cultural treatments, and that colonization from indigenous fungal species may be adequate, eliminating the need for artificial inoculation.
Funding Information
  • Powell River Project