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Decomposition of Wood‐Residue Amendments in Revegetated Bentonite Mine Spoils
Author(s) -
Schuman G. E.,
Belden S. E.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1991.03615995005500010013x
Subject(s) - revegetation , residue (chemistry) , amendment , land reclamation , environmental science , bentonite , decomposition , fertilizer , pulp and paper industry , waste management , chemistry , agronomy , geology , geotechnical engineering , engineering , ecology , biology , law , biochemistry , organic chemistry , political science
Restoration of decomposition processes in revegetated mine spoils is important in ensuring the long‐term success of their reclamation. This study was conducted to determine the decomposition of ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Laws) wood residue amendments in a revegetated saline‐sodic bentonite mine spoil. A buried‐litter‐bag technique was used to assess the effect of wood‐residue amendment and N‐fertilizer rates on the decomposition of wood residue in revegetated bentonite spoils. Decomposition differed significantly between years and averaged 8.8, 10.4, 16.1, and 25.3% after 1, 2, 3, and 5 yr, respectfully, across all wood‐residue treatments. Decomposition increased significantly as N‐fertilizer rates increased, averaging 10.6, 14.3, 18.8, and 20.8% over 5 yr for the 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kg N Mg −1 of wood residue treatments, respectively. Wood‐residue amendment rate did not significantly influence decomposition, even though it significantly increased spoil water content. Decomposition processes appear to be proceeding despite the unfavorable physical and chemical characteristics of the spoil and should ensure the reclamation success of these disturbed ecosystems.