Chapter 4: Low compaction grading to enhance reforestation success on coal surface mines

R. Sweigard; J. Burger; C. Zipper; J. Skousen; C. Barton; P. Angel

Treesearch

Chapter 4: Low compaction grading to enhance reforestation success on coal surface mines

Informally Refereed

Authors:

R. Sweigard, J. Burger, C. Zipper, J. Skousen, C. Barton, P. Angel

Year:

2017

Type:

Book Chapter

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Adams, Mary Beth, ed. The Forestry Reclamation Approach: guide to successful reforestation of mined lands. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-169. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 4-1 – 4-8.

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Download (PDF 679 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/54353.pdf

Abstract

This Forest Reclamation Advisory describes final-grading techniques for reclaiming coal surface mines to forest postmining land uses. Final grading that leaves a loose soil and a rough surface increases survival of planted seedlings and forest productivity. Such practices are often less costly than traditional "smooth grading" while meeting the requirements of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).

Parent Publication

The Forestry Reclamation Approach: guide to successful reforestation of mined lands

Citation

Sweigard, R.; Burger, J.; Zipper, C.; Skousen, J.; Barton, C.; Angel, P. 2017. Chapter 4: Low compaction grading to enhance reforestation success on coal surface mines. In: Adams, Mary Beth, ed. The Forestry Reclamation Approach: guide to successful reforestation of mined lands. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-169. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 4-1 – 4-8.