Cast Overburden Research Articles

Identification of Delay-Fired Mining Explosions Using Seismic Arrays: Application to the PDAR Array in Wyoming, USA

We extend a time-frequency discrimination algorithm, developed in an earlier article (Arrowsmith et al., 2006), for application to seismic-array data. Spec- trograms evaluated at each component of an array are stacked and then converted into binary form for computation of discriminants. Because noise can bias the dis- criminants, we develop a procedure for removing the effect of noise on the discrim- inants. The binary spectrograms are randomized where the spectral amplitude of the signal is similar to the mean spectral amplitude of the pre-event noise at that fre- quency. The formulism of Arrowsmith et al. (2006) is further extended by modifying the objective function used to optimize the values of input parameters and by re- moving high-frequency and low-frequency spectral content. We apply the method to a dataset of regional recordings of earthquakes and delay-fired mine blasts recorded at the Pinedale seismic array in Wyoming. Our results show that the utilization of array data improves the success rate for source identification. Furthermore, we find that incorporating the noise-correction procedure increases the separation between earthquakes and cast overburden blasts (the largest type of delay-fired mine blasts). In total, the algorithm successfully identifies 97.4% of the events (74 of a total of 76 events, which comprise earthquakes and cast overburden blasts).

Topsoiling, ripping, and fertilizing effects on tree growth and nutrition on calcareous minesoils

Tree survival, growth, and foliar nutrition were evaluated in two studies on coal minesoils in southeastern Ohio. A topsoiling-fertilizing study contrasted three constructed soil profiles (graded cast overburden, graded cast overburden under 30 cm of standard graded or ripped topsoil) and six phosphorus fertilizer treatments (0, 280, or 560 kgha −1 triple superphosphate, and 0, 1120, or 2240 kgha −1 rock phosphate). A ripping-fertilizing study used only graded cast overburden, ripped to 1.2 m depth or not ripped, and four fertilizer treatments (0 kgha −1 P and N, and 112 kgha −1 P in combination with 0, 168, or 336 kgha −1 N). Fertilizer treatments were in addition to fertilizers applied during ground cover seeding. After 7 years, overall tree survival was excellent for green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) (91% survival) but poor for silver maple ( Acer saccharinum L.) (15–21%), sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis L.) (9%), and white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) (1%). Austrian pine ( Pinus nigra Arnold) survived moderately well in the topsoiling study (62%) but failed in the soil ripping study (0%). Deer browsing and rabbit cutting contributed to poor tree survival. In the topsoiling study, green ash was taller on both topsoil profiles (total height, 85 cm) than on cast overburden (64 cm). Austrian pine was also taller on standard topsoil (115 cm) and ripped topsoil (102 cm) than on cast overburden (64 cm). Tree performance was not improved by ripping topsoil in the topsoiling study or by ripping cast overburden in the soil ripping study. For comparable fertilizer treatments, gree ash grew better on cast overburden (ripped or not ripped) in the ripping study than on topsoils in the topsoiling study. Silver maple survived better (29% vs. 11%) and green ash was taller (126 cm vs. 101 cm) on plots that received both N and P than on plots that received no fertilizer. Fertilization with P alone was not effective. Foliar N concentrations in green ash (12.4–13.6 gkg −1 in the topsoiling study; 15.0–16.4 gkg −1 in soil ripping study) and Austrian pine (6.7–7.0 gkg −1 in topsoiling study) were much less than optimal. Of treatments tested, provision of adequate N by fertilizers appears to have the most potential for improving tree growth on these minesoils, but controlling animal damage would probably have a greater impact on survival and early growth than any fertilizer treatment.

Reclamation with trees pre- and post-SMCRA in Southern Illinois

I compare survival and heights of trees of similar ages planted pre-law on sites ungraded or dragline-leveled, and post-law on. sites ungraded or bulldozer-graded or graded with topsoil replaced by pan scrapers. Relative heights at age 10 of trees of five species (silver maple [Acer sacckmmum L.], white ash [Fraxminus americana L.], black walnut [Juglans nigra L.], sweetgom [Liquidambar styraciflua L.], and tuliptree [Liriodendron tulipifera L.] planted on ungraded cast overbwden pre-law in 1947 and postdaw in 1981 and 1982 were similar within species and varied among species. For the trees planted post-law, heights and growth rates in the preceding five years of all species were greater on cast overburden whether ungraded or graded than on replaced topsoil. Grading, and topsoil replacement, adversely affected survival of two species. A typical rooting medium pre-law was deep and well-drained with fresh minerals from coarse fragments in a mixed cast overburden. Relatively poor tree performance on post-law sites has been attributed to replacement of segregated fine-textured, poorly-drained surface soils (termed topsoil by regulatory agencies).

Site factor effects on establishment of planted and volunteer trees and shrubs on graded cast overburden and replaced topsoil in southeastern Ohio

We measured survival and height of trees planted on graded cast overburden in southeastern Ohio as affected by aspect and slope position in one study and by aspect and interplanted European alder in an adjoining study. We also measured density and height of volunteer trees and shrubs on the cast overburden and on adjacent topsoiled plots that were not planted with trees. After eight years, survival for planted species varied from 1% for white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) to 92% for green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh) Survival was poor ( 15% r silver maple l(Acer saccharinum L.) and intermediate (43-52% or European alder [ Atnus giutinosa ( L.) Gaertn.] sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis L.) bur oak ( Quercus macrocarpa Michx) and Austrian pine ( Pinus nigra Arnold) Aspect ( northeast vs. southwest) or slope position ( upper vs. lower) affected survival only of silver maple. Maple survived better on the northeast-facing, lower slope ( 43% ) than on other combinations of aspect and slope position ( 3-5% survival) Austrian pine, bur oak, and alder were taller on the northeast aspect, and Austrian pine was also taller on upper than on lower slopes. Presence of interplanted alder did not affect survival or height of ash, sycamore, and white pine. Heights of planted trees averaged less than 110 cm for all species except sycamore ( 160 cm) and alder ( 305 cm) Boxelder-zlcer negundo L. ( 56 stems/ ha) autumn we-atumn olive-Elaeagnus umbellata Thumb. ( 49 stems/ ha) black cherry-Prunus serotina Ehrh. ( 13 stems/ ha) and ashes-Fraxinus spp. (11 stems/ ha) comprised 89% of all volunteers. Total density of volunteers decreased with increasing distance from seed sources. Volunteer density on topsoil ( 181 stems/ ha) was almost twice that on overburden (107 stems/ ha) Invasion of autumn olive on topsoiled plots on the northeast slope is converting the seeded grasslands into shrub ecosystems.

Topsoil and fertilizer effects on ground cover growth on calcareous minesoils

ABSTRACT We measured canopy cover and aboveground biomass of herbaceous species in four studies for five years (1989–1993) in southeastern Ohio. Three studies compared graded cast overburden, standard graded topsoil (30 era depth), and ripped topsoil. The fourth study lacked the ripped topsoil treatment. In 1997 two studies were seeded with both a standard and a modified mixture of grass and legume species, and two studies used the modified mix only. A nitrogen rate study used 45, 90, or 135 kg/ha of N applied on two occasions, and a phosphorus fertilizer study used rock phosphate amendment at 0, 1120, or 2240 kg/ha and triple superphosphate amendment at 0, 280, or 560 kg/ha. Based on one clipping per year, overall average biomass (Mg/ha dry weight) was slightly greater on standard topsoil (3·34), and ripped topsoil (3·30) than on cast overburden (3·09). Biomass did not differ significantly (p=0·05) on standard topsoil versus cast overburden for 15 of 19 comparisons. Legume biomass (Mg/ha, measured for 3 or 4 years) averaged 0·84 on standard topsoil, 0·75 on ripped topsoil, and 1·16 on cast overburden. In three studies, legume biomass was 50% higher on cast overburden than the topsoils, but differences among the soil surfaces were decreasing by 1993. Nitrogen fertilizer increased ground cover only in the year when fertilizer was applied. Phosphorus fertilizer treatments had no significant effects. Ground cover showed no signs of deterioration during the last measurements in 1993. Observations in 1995 indicated dense canopy cover on all soil surfaces with substantial invasion by goldenrods (Solidago spp.) only on topsoils.

TREE SHELTER AND INTERPLANTED N-FIXING SHRUB EFFECTS ON CROP TREE GROWTH ON A CALCAREOUS MINESOIL

In southeastern Ohio, we installed three studies to test the effects of plastic tube tree shelters and interplanted N-fixing shrubs on crop tree survival and growth. Study 1 on graded gray cast overburden used white ash (Fraxinus Americana L.) and a hybrid willow (Salix matsudana x alba, or Austree) as crop trees. These were tested in factorial combination with 1.2 m tall tree shelters (present or absent) and N-fixing shrubs [none, bristly locust (Robinia fertilis Ashe), or Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens Lam. )]. Study 2 evaluated growth of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) as affected by soil surf ace (graded cast overburden or ripped topsoil), presence of tree shelters, and presence of interplanted Siberian peashrub. Study 3 tested Austree growth as affected by soil surf ace and presence of tree shelters. After four or five growing seasons, overall crop tree survivals were white ash (80%), bur oak (52%), and Austree (10% in study 1 and 25% in study 3). All crop tree species tended to survive better with tree shelters but only Austree in study 3 (36% with shelter vs. 14% without shelter) showed a significant difference. Tree shelters increased heights of white ash (102 cm with shelter vs. 21more » cm without shelter) and bur oak (84 cm vs. 27 cm). Crop tree survival and growth were not affected significantly by interplanted N-fixing shrubs or by soil surface. In study 1 (cast overburden only), peashrub (64%) survived better than bristly locust (31%) but locust was taller (74 cm vs. 45 cm). In study 2, peashrub survived better on ripped topsoil (53%) than cast overburden (17%), but height was not impressive on either soil (41{+-}11 cm).« less

Red oak and black walnut growth increased with minesoil ripping

ABSTRACT Red oak, black walnut, and black walnut with autumn olive, a “nitrogen-fixing” shrub, were planted on graded, compacted cast overburden (topsoil-substitute) minesoil with a dense ground cover consisting chiefly of tall fescue grass. Compaction was mitigated by ripping on half the plots. Year 1 establishment of all species was equal or lower on the graded versus graded/ripped plots. After 12 years red oak survival was 9% where unripped versus 61% where ripped. Black walnut survival was respectively 41% and 74%. Red oak 12-year heights were 2.2 m on the graded and 4.5 m on the graded/ripped plots. Black walnut heights averaged 2.6 m and 5.5 m respectively. Diameter breast height similarly was greater with ripping for the oak and walnut. Deer damage was substantially greater on the red oak than on the black walnut trees. Black walnut was interplanted a year later with autumn olive on unripped and ripped graded minesoils. After 12 years survival of black walnut interplanted with autumn olive was 42% where unripped and 85% in two ripped plots. Corresponding heights averaged 3.8 m where graded and 5.7 to 6.4 m where graded/ripped.

Establishment of trees on minesoils during drought and wet years

ABSTRACT In two studies, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and white pine (Pinus strobus) were planted on three minesoils (graded topsoil, ripped topsoil, and gray cast overburden). Mixtures of grasses and/or legumes were seeded at different times in relation to tree planting. In the first study, tree planting was followed by several weeks of drought; in the second study, precipitation was above average for the first two growing seasons following planting. In the drought year, survival of green ash was influenced by minesoil type, herbaceous mixture, and herbaceous seeding time in relation to tree planting. Among minesoils, mean survival was highest (87%) on cast overburden. Seeding grasses the fall before planting resulted in poor ash survival (40% to 47%) compared with seeding at time of planting (82% to 85 %). Ash survived well (81 % to 94%) on legume-seeded plots. When tree planting was followed by two wet seasons, survival at 4 and 5 yr ranged from very good to excellent in all treatments. Total hei...

Forestation of Mined Lands

Green ash (Fraxinur pennrylvanica) and white pine (Pinus strobus) trees were planted on three minesoil types (graded topsoil, graded and ripped topsoil and levelled gay cast overburden) with various mixtures of masses and legumes seeded either before tree planting or at time of bee planting. Trees received weed control for either 0, 1 or 2 years. Some trees were also planted on unseeded subplots. Survival,-vigor and annual height giowth of trees were measured as well as biomass and ground cover of herbaceous species. After two growing seasons with above average precipitation, green ash had excellent survival at 98% but white pine averaged 36% survival overall and only 6% on cast overburden. However, cast overburden was a suitable soil for green ash, and biomass of seeded gasses and legumes was equal to that found on topsoiled plots in the second growing season. Treatments such as weed control, ripping compacted topsoil and delay of seeding until tree planting normally result in increased tree seedling sur...

Effects of minesoil and seeded herbaceous species on survival of planted trees

ABSTRACT A series of studies to help find environmentally sound methods to reforest surface-mined lands at reduced cost was established on the Muskingum Mine near Cumberland, Ohio. In one study, three minesoil types (graded topsoil, graded and ripped topsoil, and leveled gray cast overburden) were planted with green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)and white pine (Pinus strobus) trees on subplots seeded with various grass and/or legume mixtures either before tree planting in September or at time of tree planting in March. Also, trees were planted on unseeded subplots. After planting, some trees were oversprayed with Simazine to reduce competition from seeded species. A severe drought that began after planting resulted in heavy mortality but striking survival differences were observed among treatments by end of the growing season. Green ash survived best (71 percent)on unseeded cast overburden. Survival was significantly lower on graded topsoil (50 percent)and on other minesoils that were seeded the previous Se...

Properties of Minesoil Reclaimed for Forest Land Use

AbstractPhysical and chemical properties of minesoil reclaimed for forest land use in southwestern Indiana were evaluated to determine suitability for reforestation according to specifications of Public Law 95–87, The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Properties of reconstructed minesoil and unmined reference soils were compared. Soil types on the reference area were primarily Ava (Typic Fragiudalf) and Parke (Typic Hapludalf) silt loams and were similar to soils on the mineland prior to excavation. Both the reclaimed mineland site and reference site supported mixed upland hardwood trees and shrub vegetation prior to surface mining. Chemical properties of minesoil were similar to or more favorable for plant growth than unmined reference soils. However, physical properties in the rooting zone were less favorable in minesoil than reference soils. Minesoil had higher bulk density, lower porosity, lower permeability, higher coarse fragment and clay content, and lower available water‐holding capacity than reference soils at comparable depths. Mean bulk density of minesoil, adjusted for rock fragments > 2 mm, ranged from 1.53 Mg m−3 (g cm−3) in topsoil to 1.77 Mg m−3 in graded cast overburden. Mean available water‐holding capacity was 16.5% in topsoil and 10.8 to 11.7% (kg kg−1) in graded cast overburden layers of minesoil. Chemical properties of minesoil should be adequate for cover crop and tree seedling establishment after liming and fertilization to recommended soil test levels of NPK. However, physical properties could adversely affect plant survival and growth.