The growth performance of exotic and indigenous tree species in rehabilitating active gold mine tailings dump at Shamva mine in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The objective of the study was to compare the performance of exotic (Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia saligna) and indigenous (Acacia polyacantha and Bauhinia thonningii) tree species in rehabilitating active gold mine tailings dump. The seedlings were produced in a nursery and transplanted onto the tailings dumps during the rainy season in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. The saplings were monitored for survival rates one year after transplanting and growth performances by measuring root collar diameters and heights. There was no significant difference among the species in survival. The mean height increment of the exotics significantly surpassed indigenous tree species. E. grandis performed best followed by A. saligna. Bauhinia thoningii showed the lowest height increment. Root collar diameters were highest for A. polyacantha, followed by the exotics. There was no significant difference for the mean root collar diameter and height between the exotics. It was concluded that both exotic and indigenous tree species could be used for the rehabilitation of mine tailings. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol 9(2) 2005: 57-59