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Working Backwards: Enhancing Forest Restoration by Reversing Effects of Surface Mine Reclamation on Soil Bulk Density and Soil Chemistry

Back, Michael Patrick
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors162014875138985

Abstract Details

2021, BS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Biological Sciences.
Mine reclamation practices under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1979 often resulted in minimal natural succession due to changes in soil physical characteristics. As part of the reclamation process, industrial rollers were used to compact the soil, and grasses were seeded to stop nutrient runoff and prevent further pollution downstream. Although this brought herbaceous plants back to the sites, the resulting soil conditions made it nearly impossible to grow larger woody plants due to high soil bulk density and an inability to spread roots. To counteract this problem, new methods are designed to reverse reclamation effects on soil bulk density by soil ripping - dragging large shanks sunk one meter into the ground in a 2x2 meter grid pattern, followed by tree-planting at rip intersections. To assess the effectiveness of soil ripping at two former mines managed by Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we measured near-surface and profile soil bulk density in non-ripped areas, within rips, and at cross-rips. Additionally, we measured soil pH, C:N ratio, and plant-available nutrients. The mines we studied showed higher bulk densities of surface soil in the rips than in the non-rips, in contrast to our expectations. However, at depths between 20cm and 60cm, the bulk densities were lower in the rips than in the non-rips. This suggests that, immediately after ripping, soils were lower in bulk density, but erosion washed fine clay particles into the surface of the rips. Soil chemistry differed after ripping, but only for some of the elements we measured. These short-term results are beneficial for determining the next steps of restoration at the reclaimed surface mines. We hope this ripping process will have a lasting positive effect on survival and growth of our trees.
Christopher Blackwood, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Anne Jefferson, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Elda Hegmann, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
49 p.
Biogeochemistry; Biology; Ecology; Environmental Science; Geology
forest restoration; surface mine; bulk density; soil pH; phosphorus; calcium; soil; Cuyahoga Valley National Park; soil ripping; deep-tillage; SMCRA

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Back, M. P. (2021). Working Backwards: Enhancing Forest Restoration by Reversing Effects of Surface Mine Reclamation on Soil Bulk Density and Soil Chemistry [Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors162014875138985

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Back, Michael. Working Backwards: Enhancing Forest Restoration by Reversing Effects of Surface Mine Reclamation on Soil Bulk Density and Soil Chemistry. 2021. Kent State University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors162014875138985.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Back, Michael. "Working Backwards: Enhancing Forest Restoration by Reversing Effects of Surface Mine Reclamation on Soil Bulk Density and Soil Chemistry." Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors162014875138985

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ksuhonors162014875138985
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University Honors College and OhioLINK.