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Minesoil and Site Properties Associated with Early Height Growth of Eastern White Pine
Author(s) -
Andrews Jeffrey A.,
Johnson James E.,
Torbert John L.,
Burger James A.,
Kelting Daniel L.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1998.00472425002700010027x
Subject(s) - land reclamation , site index , environmental science , pinus <genus> , variables , regression analysis , productivity , sowing , hydrology (agriculture) , forestry , linear regression , geography , soil science , mathematics , geology , agronomy , archaeology , biology , botany , statistics , macroeconomics , geotechnical engineering , economics
A study was established to investigate soil and site variables associated with early growth of eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) on reclaimed strip mines in southern West Virginia and Virginia. A total of 78 plantations were studied on 14 different mines, 5 to 9 yr following planting. Two‐year terminal height growth at ages 4 and 5 was selected as the growth variable in a multiple linear regression equation developed to show the relationship between tree growth and soil and site variables. Many soil/site variables were tested, but rooting depth, electrical conductivity, surface soil P and Mn, and slope were the dominant independent variables, accounting for 48% of the variability in growth. Soil depth had a standardized regression coefficient of 0.35, and was the most significant variable. Through proper reclamation, it is possible to establish a site that will not only provide for adequate early height growth to facilitate bond release, but also provide for future long‐term productivity of surface‐mined lands.