Using the Forestry Reclamation Approach for Reclaimed Surface Mineland in the Western Gulf: Effects on Pinus taeda Seedling Growth and Survival

While land reclamation efforts of surface mines have considerably increased soil stability since the implementation SMCRA (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act), research suggests that resulting compaction hinders productivity forests post-mining. The Forestry Approach (FRA) was developed to improve forest health in Appalachian region through a five-step process minimizes establishes productive forest. FRA has not yet been tested western Gulf Coastal Plain (GCP). higher clay content some GCP soils dearth coarse fragments (e.g., cobbles, stones boulders) may affect practices ability these methods create forests. Compaction caused by conventional studied great detail. Thus, this study attempts provide comparison two methods, low-compaction method used with scraper-pan (scraper) GCP. This common silvicultural Gulf. hectare site installed randomized complete block design three replicates comparing scraper an unmined control FRA-style low treatment. Following reclamation, containerized loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings provenance were hand-planted. Soil chemical physical parameters assessed on each treatment determine effect had tree seedling growth survival. After growing seasons, plots significantly greater volumes than both (p = 0.0139) 0.0247) treatments. also 97% survival rate, while 86%. lower bulk densities 0.0353) < 0.0001) which likely influenced trends. nutrients increasingly available plots, due mixing profile when compared control. Leaf-level water potential gas exchange correlated did differ among These results suggest modeled after benefit Western