Lespedeza Capitata Research Articles

Growth responses, biomass partitioning, and nitrogen isotopes of prairie legumes in response to elevated temperature and varying nitrogen source in a growth chamber experiment

Because legumes can add nitrogen (N) to ecosystems through symbiotic fixation, they play important roles in many plant communities, such as prairies and grasslands. However, very little research has examined the effect of projected climate change on legume growth and function. Our goal was to study the effects of temperature on growth, nodulation, and N chemistry of prairie legumes and determine whether these effects are mediated by source of N. We grew seedlings of Amorpha canescens, Dalea purpurea, Lespedeza capitata, and Lupinus perennis at 25/20°C (day/night) or 28/23°C with and without rhizobia and mineral N in controlled-environment growth chambers. Biomass, leaf area, nodule number and mass, and shoot N concentration and δ(15)N values were measured after 12 wk of growth. Both temperature and N-source affected responses in a species-specific manner. Lespedeza showed increased growth and higher shoot N content at 28°C. Lupinus showed decreases in nodulation and lower shoot N concentration at 28°C. The effect of temperature on shoot N concentration occurred only in individuals whose sole N source was N(2)-fixation, but there was no effect of temperature on δ(15)N values in these plants. Elevated temperature enhanced seedling growth of some species, while inhibiting nodulation in another. Temperature-induced shifts in legume composition or nitrogen dynamics may be another potential mechanism through which climate change affects unmanaged ecosystems.

Accelerated Solvent Extraction: development of a representative extraction method from medicinal plants for cosmetic applications

The first crucial step to discover new cosmetic plant active ingredients is the extraction before the analysis of plant materials. Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) is a fast and automatic sample preparation technique which offers the ability to carry out sequentially multiple extracts (up to 24 samples).Then, cosmetic activities (enzymatic targets and skin cells) can be evaluated. For preliminary phytochemical investigations, an efficient and exhaustive method is traditionally used to extract polar plant metabolites. The aim of our study was to define ASE conditions to obtain the most complete and representative extraction. In contrary, most of publications deal with the optimization of operational parameters to enhance the selectivity of extraction of only compounds of interest. The transposition of our conventional solvent-based extraction method (hydroethanolic reflux extraction, 1h, ratio plant/solvent 10%) to ASE technology was performed with respect of amount of extracted material (dry matter, yield) and chemical composition. Among herbs selected, ASE extracts of Lespedeza capitata Michx. and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts were obtained and analyzed by Thin-Layer Chromatography. The flavonoids content of the extract was identified by HPTLC coupled with UV densitometric detection. The quantification of orientin/homorientin and baicalin/baicalein was achieved to select the best ASE parameters (50°C, 10min, ratio plant/solvent 20%). In addition, the antiradical activity of extracts was evaluated. The results showed that optimized ASE extracts were equivalent to conventional ones concerning phytochemical composition and antiradical activity. To conclude, such standardization of ASE extraction method is a powerful tool for rapid screening of new cosmetic plant active ingredients.

Effect of Mid-Summer Haying on Growth and Reproduction in Prairie Forbs

Mid-summer haying is a common management practice for prairies; plant species could differ in the effect of haying on subsequent growth and reproduction. We examined the effect of haying on prairie species by performing a clipping experiment. For each of seven species, sixteen plants were chosen and half were randomly assigned to a clipping treatment and half to a control treatment. Experimental plants (and surrounding vegetation) in the clipped treatment were cut to a ten cm height in summer for two years. Measurements of plant height and the number of inflorescences were taken on all plants prior to clipping in June and in the fall each year. For many species, clipped plants were smaller than control plants in the fall after clipping. However, after overwintering, there were few significant differences in plant size or reproductive output between plants that were previously clipped and control plants. Some species, however, did show persistent effects of clipping. For example, both plant size and number of inflorescences were reduced by clipping in Lespedeza capitata. Similarly, clipped plants of Amorpha canescens had fewer inflorescences the year after clipping compared to control plants. Future studies should examine long-term effects of haying on plant growth and reproduction, and explore whether such effects depend on plant life forms or flowering phenologies.

Hybridization between the threatened plant, Lespedeza leptostachya Englem. and its co-occurring congener Lespedeza capitata Michx.: morphological and molecular evidence

Natural hybridization is common in the genus Lespedeza. No hybrids between Lespedeza leptostachya Englem. and Lespedeza capitata Michx. are formally recognized in any of the current floras, however observations in the field suggest that hybridization might occur in many of their shared habitats. Putative hybrids were compared to L. leptostachya and L. capitata using morphological measurements and screened for the presence of species-specific trnL-F gene region (cpDNA) and the ITS gene region (nrDNA). A discriminate analysis of 10 morphological measurements identified the hybrids as intermediate to both parents with two PCA axes explaining 99% of the variation between taxa. The presence of hybrids was confirmed by genetic markers with individuals morphologically identified as hybrids having cpDNA trnL-F genotypes identical to L. leptostachya and the ITS (nrDNA) phenotypes in most cases contain the ITS genotype of both parents, however, some putative hybrid individuals contained the ITS genotype of only one parents. Those individuals with L. leptostachya ITS and trnL-F could be a case of misclassification, but the presence of both L. capitata ITS genotypes and L. leptostachyatrnL-F genotypes suggest segregation has occurred, which may result from either selfing or backcrossing.

No-Choice Preference of <I>Cerotoma trifurcata</I> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to Potential Host Plants of Bean Pod Mottle Virus (<I>Comoviridae</I>) in Iowa

To better understand the naturally occurring host range of Bean pod mottle virus (family Comoviridae, genus Comovirus, BPMV) and its principal vector Cerotoma trifurcata (Förster) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), 18 field-collected perennial plant species were tested for the presence of BPMV. By using no-choice assays, we determined the preference of these plants by bean leaf beetle, by measuring their level of herbivory relative to soybean, Glycine max (L.). New food hosts for adult bean leaf beetles include Lespedeza capitata (Michaux), Lotus corniculatus L., Trifolium alexandrinum L., Trifolium ambiguum Bieberstein, and Trifolium incarnatum L. Desmodium illinoense Gray is discovered as a new naturally occurring host for BPMV.

Stoichiometric response of nitrogen-fixing and non-fixing dicots to manipulations of CO2, nitrogen, and diversity

Human activities have resulted in increased nitrogen deposition and atmospheric CO(2) concentrations in the biosphere, potentially causing significant changes in many ecological processes. In addition to these ongoing perturbations of the abiotic environment, human-induced losses of biodiversity are also of major concern and may interact in important ways with biogeochemical perturbations to affect ecosystem structure and function. We have evaluated the effects of these perturbations on plant biomass stoichiometric composition (C:N:P ratios) within the framework of the BioCON experimental setup (biodiversity, CO(2), N) conducted at the Cedar Creek Natural History Area, Minnesota. Here we present data for five plant species: Solidago rigida, Achillea millefolium, Amorpha canescens, Lespedeza capitata, and Lupinus perennis. We found significantly higher C:N and C:P ratios under elevated CO(2) treatments, but species responded idiosyncratically to the treatment. Nitrogen addition decreased C:N ratios, but this response was greater in the ambient CO(2) treatments than under elevated CO(2). Higher plant species diversity generally lowered both C:N and C:P ratios. Importantly, increased diversity also led to a more modest increase in the C:N ratio with elevated CO(2) levels. In addition, legumes exhibited lower C:N and higher C:P and N:P ratios than non-legumes, highlighting the effect of physiological characteristics defining plant functional types. These data suggest that atmospheric CO(2) levels, N availability, and plant species diversity interact to affect both aboveground and belowground processes by altering plant elemental composition.

Aboveground Biomass Removal by Burning and Raking Increases Diversity in a Reconstructed Prairie

Abstract Prescribed spring burning often contributes to a predominance of C4 grasses and low forb abundance and is impractical at many sites, especially near development. We tested raking after mowing as an alternative to prescribed burning in a reconstructed Minnesota prairie. We also tested mowing without raking as a possible means of maintaining prairie communities. Frequency, flowering stem abundance, and cover were measured for all plant species and native functional groups (C4 grasses, C3 graminoids, forbs, legumes, and annual or biennial forbs). Mowing alone did not differ from the control in its effect on any functional groups of plants. Round‐headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata), a legume, and Black‐eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), a biennial, increased in frequency with treatments that removed biomass (i.e., fire or raking), but they did not have significantly more flowering stems. Thus, new plants established well from seed, whereas the vitality of mature plants did not change. Raking had similar effects to burning on most functional groups, although flowering stems of C4 grasses were significantly more abundant after fire than after raking. Burning reduced some C3 forbs and grasses and favored the dominance of C4 grasses. Therefore, raking after mowing in the spring provides an alternative to prescribed burning that has many of the same positive aspects as fire but does not promote aggressive C4 grasses to the same extent.

Selection of rhizobia for prairie legumes used in restoration and reconstruction programs in Minnesota

The inoculation of indigenous legumes used in revegetation and wetland reconstruction activities in Minnesota presents problems not found in more traditional seedings. Few studies have sought inoculant-quality rhizobia for the legumes involved or examined their interaction in an environment that involves a number of different legumes seeded simultaneously under initially adverse climatic conditions. In this note, we identify effective strains for Astragalus canadensis, Chamaecrista fasciculata, Dalea purpurea, Dalea candida, Desmodium canadense, and Lespedeza capitata. We are currently using these strains to examine the contribution of inoculated legumes to prairie productivity in Minnesota.

Evaluation of Native Legume Species for Forage Yield, Quality, and Seed Production

Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan ex Robinson & Fern.) appears to have the greatest potential as a forage species among 15 species of native legumes (Fabaceae) evaluated for forage yield, quality, and seed production. It ranked among the top five for all agronomic characteristics measured. Hoary tick clover (Desmodium canescens [L.] DC.), panicled tick clover (Desmodium paniculatum [L.] DC.), and roundhead lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata Michaux), ranked among the top five for grams per plant of forage and seed. All of the native legumes contained greater concentrations of crude protein and lower concentrations of neutral detergent fiber than typically found in the native warm-season grasses commonly sown for pasture, suggesting that these native legumes should improve forage quality in mixed pastures. Only white prairie clover (Dalea candida Michaux ex Willd.), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.), and Illinois bundleflower had lower concentrations of acid detergent fiber than that typically found in native warm-season grasses.

Effects of Temperature on Germination of 10 Native Legume Species

Seeds of 10 species of legumes native to Missouri germinated poorly when the temperature was lower than 15 °C (59 °F). The fastest time to first germinated seed occurred at 20 °C (68 °F) for all species except purple and white prairie clover, which germinated first at 25 °C (77 °F). The fastest germination rate was first reached at 20 °C (68 °F) for hoary tick clover, sessile tick clover, and slender lespedeza, at 25 °C (77 °F) for white prairie clover, purple prairie clover, panicled tick clover, hairy lespedeza, and tall lespedeza, and at 30 °C (86 °F) for Illinois bundleflower and roundhead lespedeza. Maximum total germination percentage also varied among species. For both the prairie clovers and roundhead lespedeza, hairy lespedeza, and slender lespedeza, the lowest temperature at which maximum total germination percentage occurred was 15 °C (59 °F). For Illinois bundleflower and the 3 tick clovers, the lowest temperature at which maximum total germination percentage occurred was 20 °C (68 °F). For most species, the fastest germination rate occurred at a higher temperature than the maximum germination percentage. Many species attained maximum germination percentage and fastest germination rate across a range of temperatures rather than at a single optimal temperature. Species that rapidly and completely germinate across a wide range of temperatures should germinate more reliably under variable soil conditions than species that exhibit a narrow range.

Variation of Condensed Tannins in Roundhead Lespedeza Germplasm

ABSTRACTRoundhead lespedeza, Lespedeza capitata Michx., is a deep‐rooted, perennial legume native to the eastern and central USA and is relatively common on remnant upland prairies throughout the Midwest. Information on condensed tannin (CT) concentrations from different plant parts is needed for cultivar development and also to provide data for developing management and feeding strategies. The objectives of this study were to determine variation of CT concentrations in roundhead lespedeza leaves, stems, and inflorescences; evaluate genotype variation over environments; and select germplasm lines that could be used for breeding parents and/or bulked into a synthetic variety. Thirty‐nine roundhead lespedeza plant introductions (PI) were sampled from replicated nurseries grown in two environments in 1996. Plant shoots were collected at flowering and seed filling. Each plant shoot sample was divided into leaf, stem, and inflorescence. Condensed tannin concentrations were determined by means of a modified vanillin–HCl method. We found that variation due to the environment was low, variation due to genotype was high, and variation due to genotype × environment interaction was high. Of these 39 plant introductions, we selected eight that were common to both environments and had low CT concentrations in leaves at flowering. The CT content of these plant introductions, however, was still relatively high when compared with sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don] that was bred for low tannin content. Collections should be made from a larger geographical region to look for germplasm with lower CT concentrations.

Botanical medicines for the urinary tract.

Four important categories of urologic herbs, their history, and modern scientific investigations regarding them are reviewed. Botanical diuretics are discussed with a focus on Solidago spp (goldenrod) herb, Levisticum officinale (lovage) root, Petroselinum crispus (parsley) fruit, and Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) herb. Urinary antiseptic and anti-adhesion herbs, particularly Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (uva-uri) leaf, Juniperus spp (juniper) leaf, and Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit are reviewed. The antinephrotoxic botanicals Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb) root and Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza) herb are surveyed, followed by herbs for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, most notably Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit, Urtica dioica root, and Prunus africana (pygeum) bark.

Host responses to AMF from plots differing in plant diversity

Increased plant species richness in a plant community leads to changes in the composition of the associated arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community. We tested whether AMF from plots with increased plant diversity cause significant differences in the growth of Lespedeza capitata, Schizachyrium scoparium or Liatris aspera. Seedlings of each were transplanted into pasteurized soil inoculated with soil from their own monocultures, or from plots with one, seven, or 15 additional plant species. In addition, inocula from S. scoparium and L. capitata monocultures were tested for reciprocal growth effects. Inocula from plots containing the native tallgrass prairie species Lespedeza capitata showed increasing AMF species richness and spore density with increasing plant diversity; this was not true with plots containing Schizachyrium scopariumor Liatris aspera. All three species responded to AMF inoculation with increased growth and Cu concentrations, and lowered Mn concentrations compared to non-inoculated control plants. Increasing the plant diversity of the inoculum source-plots significantly affected plant weights of L. capitata, but not of the other two host plants. Both S. scoparium and L. capitata showed increases in growth with inoculum from S. scoparium monocultures compared to that from L. capitata monocultures. Spore density of inoculum source plots was associated with subsequent plant growth or nutrient content only in Lespedeza plots, which contained considerably fewer spores, plant cover, and root biomass in plots with lower plant diversity.

The impact of plant residues on the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines

The potential of plant residues and plant root exudates, from a range of traditional and nontraditional crop species, to protect soybean (Glycine max (L.)) plants against Heterodera glycines (Ichinohe) was examined in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. Plant residues from nonhosts Lespedeza capitata Michx, Lespedeza intermedia (S. Wats.) Britt, Lespedeza hirta (L.) Hornem, Lolium multiflorum (Lam.), Lolium perenne (L.), Lupinus perennis (L.), Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam., Medicago sativa (L.), Trifolium pratense (L.), Fairway B Lawngrass mixture, and Pisum sativum (L.) reduced the number of H. glycines juveniles in the soil prior to planting soybeans and subsequently in the roots of soybeans. Root exudates of nonhosts Lespedeza capitata, Trifolium hybridum (L.), Trifolium repens (L.), Lolium multiflorum, Lupinus perennis, Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., Vicia villosa (Roth), Medicago sativa, and of the host G. max increased the egg hatching rate of H. glycines in comparison to the water control. In addition, root exudates of Trifolium repens and Lolium multiflorum increased egg hatching by 37.9 and 46.6%, respectively, compared to root exudates of soybeans. Root exudates of Trifolium repens, Lolium multiflorum, E. crusgalli, Lupinus perennis, Trifolium hybridum, Medicago sativa, and G. max significantly increased neutral lipid utilization of H. glycines juveniles in comparison to the control. Overall, Lolium multiflorum was the most effective of all species tested for reducing populations of H. glycines, by increasing egg hatching of the nematode in the absence of a host, depleting lipid reserves of the juveniles, and inducing the lowest nematode parasitism of all nonhost residues studied.

Combining Ability of Binary Mixtures of Native, Warm‐Season Grasses and Legumes

Growing complementary plant species is an alternative approach to enhancing pasture production. Our objective was to estimate combining ability for native, warm‐season grasses and legumes grown in binary mixtures in the field using a combining ability analysis of variance. Six monocultures and 15 binary mixtures of the following species were studied: big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii Vit.; Illinois bundleflower, Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM.; roundhead lespedeza, Lespedeza capitata Michx.; slender lespedeza, L. virginica (L.) Britt.; switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L.; and indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash. General combining ability (GCA) effects were found for forage dry matter yields (DMY, P ≤ 0.05) of Illinois bundleflower (−1240 kg ha−1), roundhead lespedeza (−3460 kg ha−1), slender lespedeza (−3300 kg ha−1), and switchgrass (8370 kg ha−1). Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were found for DMY (P ≤ 0.1) of switchgrass‐legume mixtures (1360 kg ha−1) and indiangrass‐Illinois bundleflower mixtures (1230 kg ha−1). General combining ability and SCA effects were found for crude protein concentration (CPC) of all species and mixtures (P ≤ 0.1), respectively. General combining ability effects were found for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) for switchgrass and the three legume species (P ≤ 0.05). The compatibility of these species could not be predicted solely by DMYs. Compatible mixtures, however, were identified with greater confidence when other variables, such as CPC, IVDMD, and visual observations, were taken into account. On the basis of total forage protein (DMY times CPC), the only compatible grass‐legume mixture was indiangrass‐Illinois bundleflower (SCA effect = 100 kg ha−1, P ≤ 0.05).

406 Plant Diversity Influences Effectiveness of Associated Arbuscular–Mycorrhizal Fungi

Growing a plant host in association with other plant species (i.e., increasing diversity) changes the composition of the associated arbuscular–mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community. We tested whether this alteration in the fungal community causes significant differences in the growth of Schizachyrium scoparium L. (Little Bluestem, a C4 grass) or Lespedeza capitata L. (Bush clover, a legume). Seedlings were transplanted into pasteurized soil inoculated with soil from monoculture plots of Schizachyrium or Lespedeza, respectively, vs. plots containing one, seven, or 15 additional plant species. Soil washes from a composite of the plots were added to all pots, including non-inoculated controls, to reduce differences in the non-AM microbial communities. Spore counts of the inoculum from Lespedeza plots showed increasing numbers of AM fungal spores and species richness with increasing plant diversity; this was not true with the Schizachyrium plots, possibly because Schizachyrium may be a better host to more species of AM fungi than Lespedeza. Both Schizachyrium and Lespedeza responded to inoculation with increased growth compared to non-inoculated controls. Tissue analyses of both species showed that inoculation increased the percentage of Cu, and lowered the percentage of Mn compared to control plants. Schizachyrium showed no significant differences in growth due to inoculum source (1-, 2-, 8-, or 16-species plots); while Lespedeza showed increases in root and shoot weights with increasing source-plot diversity.

Grassland Legume Establishment with Imazethapyr and Imazapic

Legumes are important components of grassland communities in North America and have potential to improve grassland productivity and diversity. Weeds can interfere with the establishment of legumes and increase probability of stand failure. Four experiments were conducted from 1994 to 1997 to determine if the imidazolinone herbicides imazethapyr [2‐[4,5‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methylethyl)‐5‐oxo‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl]‐5‐ethyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid] and imazapic [(±)‐2‐[4,5‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methylethyl)‐5‐oxo‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl]‐5‐methyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid] applied preemergence at 70 g a.i. ha−1 could reduce weed interference and improve establishment of seeded grassland legumes. Six native legumes and one introduced legume, crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.), were planted into prepared seedbeds at sites near Mead, NE. Legume response to the herbicides varied among species and sites. Crownvetch, partridgepea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene; syn. Cassia chamaecrista L.), and purple prairieclover (Dalea purpurea Vent.) exhibited tolerance to both imazethapyr and imazapic in most experiments and their establishment, as indicated by stem density and/or forage yield collected 14 mo after planting, was improved when treated with the herbicides in weedy environments. Imazapic treatment injured leadplant (Amorpha canescens Pursh), Canada tickclover [Desmodium canadense (L.) DC.], and roundhead lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata Michx.), resulting in lower stem densities and/or forage yields than when imazethapyr was applied. Based on these findings, preemergence application of imazethapyr and imazapic can be used to reduce weed interference and improve the establishment of certain grassland legumes.

Legumes May Be Symbiont-limited During Old-field Succession

We employed a bioassay using soybean seeds and native prairie bush clover (Lespedeza capitata) seeds to demonstrate that legumes may be rare throughout secondary succession in nitrogen-poor grasslands due to a lack of suitable rhizobia and consequently lower growth rates.

ESTABLISHING NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASSES ON EASTERN KENTUCKY STRIP MINES

The authors evaluated various methods of establishing native warm season grasses on two reclaimed Eastern Kentucky mines from 1994--1997. Most current reclamation practices incorporate the use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and other cool-season grasses/legumes that provide little wildlife habitats. The use of native warm season grasses will likely improve wildlife habitat on reclaimed strip mines. Objectives of this study were to compare the feasibility of establishing these grasses during fall, winter, or spring using a native rangeland seeder or hydroseeding; a fertilizer application at planting; or cold-moist stratification prior to hydroseeding. Vegetative cover, bare ground, species richness, and biomass samples were collected at the end of each growing season. Native warm season grass plantings had higher plant species richness compared to cool-season reclamation mixtures. There was no difference in establishment of native warm season grasses as a result of fertilization or seeding technique. Winter native warm season grass plantings were failures and cold-moist stratification did not increase plant establishment during any season. As a result of a drought during 1997, both cool-season and warm season plantings were failures. Cool-season reclamation mixtures had significantly more vegetative cover and biomass compared to native warm season grass mixtures and the native warmmore » season grass plantings did not meet vegetative cover requirements for bond release. Forbs and legumes that established well included pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), round-headed lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata), partridge pea (Cassia fasiculata), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Results from two demonstration plots next to research plots indicate it is possible to establish native warm season grasses on Eastern Kentucky strip mines for wildlife habitat.« less

Native Plant Productivity and Litter Decomposition in Reclamation of Taconite Iron Ore Tailing

Aboveground production and shoot and root litter decomposition rates were measured in amended coarse taconite tailing plots over the second and third growing seasons of a 3-yr study. Plots were seeded with a mixture of native prairie species that included Andropogon gerardii Vitm., Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, Elymus canadensis L., Bromus kalmii Gray, and Lespedeza capitata Michx. Reclamation treatments included inoculation with indigenous mycorrhizal fungi, three rates of fertilizer, and three rates of composted yard waste. Aboveground plant biomass in plots amended with 44.8 Mg ha -1 compost increased from 150 g m -2 in the second season to 330 g m -2 in the third season. The litterbag technique was used to assess the influence of reclamation treatments on the decomposition of plant litter. Shoot litter placed on the surface lost 60 to 70% of its original mass after 15 mo and was unaffected by treatment during the first season but was slower in plots amended with 44.8 Mg ha -1 composted yard waste in the second season. Buried root tissue lost 40% of its original mass after 15 mo and was unaffected by treatment. By significantly increasing plant biomass and reducing litter decomposition rate in tailing, additions of 44.8 Mg ha -1 compost should result in the continued accrual of soil organic matter and begin to meet reclamation goals to establish self-sustaining native plant communities on tailing deposits.