Establishing Pine Monocultures and Mixed Pine-Hardwood Stands on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land in Eastern Kentucky: Implications for Forest Resilience in a Changing Climate

Geoffrey Bell,Christopher Barton,Kenton Sena,Michael French

doi:10.3390/f8100375

Geoffrey Bell, Christopher Barton + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/f8100375

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Abstract

Surface mining and mine reclamation practices have caused significant forest loss and forest fragmentation in Appalachia. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is threatened by a variety of stresses, including diseases, pests, poor management, altered fire regimes, and climate change, and the species is the subject of a widescale restoration effort. Surface mines may present opportunity for shortleaf pine restoration; however, the survival and growth of shortleaf pine on these harsh sites has not been critically evaluated. This paper presents first-year survival and growth of native shortleaf pine planted on a reclaimed surface mine, compared to non-native loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), which has been highly successful in previous mined land reclamation plantings. Pine monoculture plots are also compared to pine-hardwood polyculture plots to evaluate effects of planting mix on tree growth and survival, as well as soil health. Initial survival of shortleaf pine is low (42%), but height growth is similar to that of loblolly pine. No differences in survival or growth were observed between monoculture and polyculture treatments. Additional surveys in coming years will address longer-term growth and survival patterns of these species, as well as changes to relevant soil health endpoints, such as soil carbon.

Highlights

Zn were significantly higher in loblolly pine than in shortleaf pine, and Zn was significantly higher in monoculture than polyculture (p < 0.05)
Total N and exchangeable Mg were higher in loblolly pine than shortleaf pine plots (p < 0.05)
Planting mix did not significantly influence tree growth or survival; Planting mix did not significantly influence tree growth or growth and survival varied with species

Summary

Introduction

Surface mining is a major driver of land use change throughout Appalachia, including eastern Kentucky. While early surface mining reclamation practices often resulted in successful post-mining forest restoration, surface mines reclaimed prior to 1978 were often characterized by haphazardly-placed mine spoils that were prone to landslides and erosion, and significantly impaired water quality. Public Law 95-87, The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. (SMCRA), ushered in a new era of surface mine reclamation, requiring a return of landforms to the approximate original contour, stabilized spoil placement to eliminate landslides, and establishment of herbaceous vegetation to control erosion. Surface mines reclaimed after SMCRA were often characterized by heavily compacted spoils with poor infiltration and aeration [1].

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