The Value of Fresh-stripped Topsoil as a Source of Useful Plants for Surface Mine Revegetation

Abstract

Topsoil from nearby undisturbed areas was stripped and directly laid over regraded overburden to a depth of about 20 cm at Kemmerer, Wyo., and Oak Creek, Colo. Native plant response was determined after two growing seasons with only natural precipitation. Rhizomatous species were the most valuable for establishing the perennial plants. Plant density averaged 4.16 and 1.77 plants/m2 at Kemmerer and Oak Creek sites, respectively, but the density was too low to meet State and Federal revegetation standards without additional seeding. Plants established from fresh-stripped topsoil are a plus in revegetation as opposed to stockpiled topsoil where these plants are lost.