Results of tree and shrub plantings on low pH strip-mine banks

Walter H. Davidson

Treesearch

Results of tree and shrub plantings on low pH strip-mine banks

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Walter H. Davidson

Year:

1979

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Research Note NE-285. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 5 p.

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Download (PDF 792 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/13469.pdf

Abstract

Test plantings were established to evaluate the survival and growth of trees and shrubs on 10 acid strip mines in the bituminous region of Pennsylvania. Included in the test were five species of European alder, four birch species, black locust, sycamore, Scotch pine, autumn olive, sawtooth oak, bristly locust, and Japanese fleeceflower. After 11 years, data showed that two of the birches had highest rate of survival and best growth overall. On a few plots, European alder from a German seed source performed well. Scotch pine also performed well on a few plots. In general, survival and growth of all species was poor on spoils where the pH was less than 3.5.

Citation

Davidson, Walter H. 1979. Results of tree and shrub plantings on low pH strip-mine banks. Research Note NE-285. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 5 p.