Abstract
ABSTRACT Vegetation growth is often limited in metal mine spoils under semi-arid climatic conditions. This study was conducted to determine whether a one-time biosolids application, limestone and wood residue addition could enhance the establishment of vegetation on metal mine spoil under these conditions. Municipal sewage sludge (as biosolids) were applied at a rate of 0 tons/acre (control), 10 dry tons/acre, 20 dry tons/acre, and 30 dry tons/acre (0,22.4, 44.8, and 67.2 Mg/ha, respectively), to the Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation tailings impoundment located near Magna, Utah. Five test sites on the impoundment were monitored for 12 months from August 1994 to August 1995 during the first growing season. Above ground biomass production, percent cover of individual plant species, and the concentration of heavy metals in plant tissue were evaluated. A conclusion of the study is that biosolids application enhanced the plant growth capability of the tailings significantly. The N, P, Ca and Zn contents of the tailings were significantly higher after the addition of biosolids. The increase in biomass and percent cover was proportional from the control rate to the 30 dry tons/acre (67.2 Mg/ha) application rate.
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