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Vegetative responses of grasses and legumes planted under differing rates of soil amending mulches on Kentucky surface mines

Conference · · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5409253

A replicated block design was established in March, 1978 on Falcon Coal Company land in eastern Kentucky to evaluate grass and legume vegetation responses to different soil mulching agents. Within each replication twelve one-tenth acre plots were seeded and fertilized at a constant rate. Each plot was mulched with bark, wood fiber mulch (WFM), composted municipal waste, or with a mixture of bark and chicken manure, or bark and composted municipal waste. WFM was applied at the rates of 250, 500, 750, and 1500 pounds per acre. Bark was tested at rates of 35 and 70 cubic yards per acre. Composted municipal waste was applied at rates of 10 and 20 tons per acre. Mixtures of bark and chicken manure and bark and composted municipal waste were also evaluated. Percent ground cover, percent grasses and legumes composition, and vegetative vigor data were collected for the first growing season. Initially the vegetative establishment on all plots was good with legume to grass ratios being the lowest on the WFM plots. Plots mulched with organic mulches resulted in a higher percentage of vegetative cover than plots mulched with WFM. Percent vegetative cover occupied by legumes were significantly higher for plots treated with organic mulches.

Research Organization:
Madisonville Community College, KY
OSTI ID:
5409253
Report Number(s):
CONF-791262-
Journal Information:
Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States), Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States); ISSN UKOBD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English