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Site quality classification and prediction of black locust biomass production on surface mine sites in eastern Kentucky

Conference · · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5361601
Investigations of 127 eastern Kentucky surface mine sites supporting 2- to 10-year-old stands of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) revealed the diverse nature of site quality and associated biomass production in the area. Tables and equations are provided for individual tree weight prediction to aid in determining actual standing biomass or annual biomass production on a site. Multivariate statistical techniques are used to derive site biomass prediction equations where stand age and annual growth are used as the independent variables. Other site variables are unable to significantly improve the prediction ability of the regression equation. Cluster analysis established two spoil productivity classes with the use of site/stand characteristics in existing black locust stands. A site classification equation as derived by discriminant analysis is provided to enable the assignment of an annual black locust growth value to new unreclaimed mine-spoils. Simple procedures are presented that incorporate these statistical techniques and equations to provide actual, predicted, or future growth of existing black locust stands on eastern Kentucky surface mines.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington
OSTI ID:
5361601
Report Number(s):
CONF-821175-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English