The Value of Fresh-Stripped Topsoil as a Source of Useful Plants for Surface Mine Revegetation

Abstract
Topsoil from nearby undisturbed areas was stripped and directly laid over regraded overburden to a depth of about 20 cm at Kemmerer, Wyoming, and Oak Creek, Colorado [USA]. Native plant response was determined after 2 growing seasons with only natural precipitation. Rhizomatous species were the most valuable for establishing the perennial plants. Plant density averaged 4.16 and 1.77 plants/m2 at Kemmerer and Oak Creek sites, respectively, but the density was too low to meet State and Federal revegetation standards without additional seeding. Plants established from fresh-stripped topsoil are a plus in revegetation as opposed to stockpiled topsoil where these plants are lost.

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