Effect of tree plantations on the soil characteristics and microbial activity of coal mine spoil land
2002
Dutta, R.K. | Agrawal, M (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India). Department of Botany)
Soil characteristics and microbial activity of vegetated coal mine spoil land under plantations of five exotic tree species were assessed. The data obtained were compared with those o the bare overburden mine spoil and the native forest soils. The results showed an improved soil status under different plantation stands compared to bare overburden. The silt and clay particles in soil were higher among different plantation stands ion comparison to bare overburden dump. Bulk density was highest in the plots of Casuarina equisetifolia and lowest in Gravellia pteridifolia plots. Soil moisture content was also higher under different plantations. Water holding capacity and soil moisture content were highest in the Eucalyptus hybrid plots. Organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were higher in the plantations stands in comparison to the bare overburden dumps. Available nitrogen (NO(3) - N and NH(4) - N) was highest in the plots of Eucalyptus hybrid in all the three seasons. Soil microbial biomass C, N and P were highest in the plots of Gravellia pteridifolia and lowest in Cassia siamea plots. The plantations enhanced the nutrient status of the degraded mine spoil land. The plant species varied in their ability to modify the soil properties of mine spoil. Among the tree species Eucalyptus hybrid, Acacia aurculiformis and cauarina equisetifolia were found to be most suitable for the modification of spoil characteristics during the revegetation process.
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