The use of landscape fabric and supplemental irrigation to enhance survival and growth of woody perennials planted on reclaimed surface mine lands

Robert C. Musselman; F. W. Smith; W. D. Shepperd; L. A. Asherin; B. W. Gee

Treesearch

The use of landscape fabric and supplemental irrigation to enhance survival and growth of woody perennials planted on reclaimed surface mine lands

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Robert C. Musselman, F. W. Smith, W. D. Shepperd, L. A. Asherin, B. W. Gee

Year:

2009

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Barnhisel, R. I., ed. Proceedings 2009 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation: Revitalizing the Environment: Proven Solutions and Innovative Approaches; Billings, MT, May 30-June 5, 2009. Lexington, KY: American Society of Mining and Reclamation. 23 p.

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Download (PDF 499 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/34127.pdf

Abstract

A study was initiated to determine the effectiveness of landscape fabric and supplemental irrigation in survival and growth of woody perennials planted on reclaimed surface coal mine lands. The study compared growth and survival of nursery grown potted aspen and serviceberry planted with or without landscape fabric, and with or without biweekly supplemental irrigation. First year survival and growth indicates that the landscape fabric was particularly crucial in survival and growth of aspen trees on sites with high amount of competing vegetative cover. Supplemental irrigation appears to have provided limited advantage compared to the landscape fabric. Photosynthesis and predawn moisture stress measurements on the aspen indicated that aspen trees were more stressed without landscape fabric. Soil moisture was higher under the landscape fabric. The serviceberry plants did not respond to landscape fabric or irrigation treatment during the first growing season.

Keywords

Amelanchier alnifolia, aspen, competition, Populus tremuloides, revegetation, serviceberry, soil moisture

Citation

Musselman, R .C.; Smith, F. W.; Shepperd, W. D.; Asherin, L. A.; Gee, B. W. 2009. The use of landscape fabric and supplemental irrigation to enhance survival and growth of woody perennials planted on reclaimed surface mine lands. In: Barnhisel, R. I., ed. Proceedings 2009 National Meeting of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation: Revitalizing the Environment: Proven Solutions and Innovative Approaches; Billings, MT, May 30-June 5, 2009. Lexington, KY: American Society of Mining and Reclamation. 23 p.