Tree Survival and Growth on Graded and Ungraded Minesoil

Compaction of soil by routine trafficking of earthmoving equipment during reclamation of surface-mined land can reduce tree survival and growth. Several species of trees-white pine (Pinus strobus L.), Virginia pine (P. virginiana Mill.), sugar maple (Acer saccharinum L.), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.), red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) were planted on adjacent sites that were alike in all respects except that one was graded by standard reclamation procedures and the other had been abandoned in a semirough and uncompacted state. After 2 years, 42% of seedlings planted on the compacted site had survived, whereas 70% of those planted or, the uncompacted site survived. Trees grew taller on the uncompacted site. Thus, efforts to produce an aesthetically pleasing, smooth surface on reclaimed mined land may be counterproductive, adversely affecting tree survival and early growth. Tree Planters' Notes 41(2): 3-5 ; 1990.