Impact of Incorporation, Mulch, and Root Coating on the Establishment of Kura Clover from Rhizome Segments on Mine Spoils in Southeastern Kentucky

Abstract

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) may have a place in surface mine reclamation, but low seedling vigor of currently available varieties limits establishment. The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of incorporation method, mulch, and a water-conserving mycorrhizal root coating (1998 only) on the establishment of kura clover from rhizome segments to a conventionally seeded control. Mulching increased plant density in sprigged treatments at the end of the establishment year (P< 0.05). Incorporation treatments that included disking increased plant density in Trial 1 but not in Trial 2. In Trial 2, the water-conserving mycorrhizal root coating negatively impacted sprig survival, resulting in lower plant densities one year after planting (P< 0.05). In fall of the establishment year, stand counts were higher for the conventionally seeded plots (P< 0.05). The following spring, seeded plots had more plants in Trial 1 (P< 0.05), but not in Trial 2. In Trial 2, competition from annual lespedeza [Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) Schindler] resulted in smaller seedlings at the end of the establishment year, and most likely contributed to the decreased ability of the conventionally seeded plants to over winter. Only the mulched-seeded treatment in Trial 1 had a satisfactory stand one year after planting.