Dry matter and nutrient loss from legume litter grown on mine soils

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5340643

Dove, D C; Wolf, D D; Daniels, W L

Recently reclaimed mine soils often lack organic matter. Plant species selection for initial cover may influence the rate of organic matter accumulation. Seeding mixtures containing sericea lespedeza have been used extensively in the past for revegetation. By including other legumes in mixtures with sericea lespedeza, the rate of organic matter build up and decomposition may be increased. Red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and Korean lespedeza are among the most commonly used species in revegetation mixtures. A six month study using litter bags was initiated to monitor weight and mineral loss of three legumes alone and in combination with sericea lespedeza. Mixed stands of sericea lespedeza-red clover, sericea lespedeza - birdsfoot trefoil, and sericea lespedeza - Korean lespedeza were established on a mine soil area in June 1982. Yields were taken after first frost (October 15), hand separated by species and dried. Litter bags were prepared using each species of the mixed stand alone and in 50:50 proportions. Litter reduction of sericea lespedeza was slower than the other three species. Highest rates of dry matter reduction in the first collection were found for birdsfoot trefoil (48%), followed by red clover (41%) and Korean lespedeza (28%). In all litter samples a significant reduction of potassium was evident after the first decomposition period. After subsequent decomposition periods, little potassium loss was observed.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg
• OSTI ID: 5340643
• Report Number(s): CONF-841204-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010800* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Waste Management
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMISTRY
COAL MINING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
FERTILITY
GROUND COVER
GROWTH
HUMUS
LAND RECLAMATION
MECHANICS
MINING
ORGANIC MATTER
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTIVITY
REVEGETATION
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SOIL MECHANICS
SOILS
SPOIL BANKS
SURFACE MINING