USDA
EPA
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Science & Education Administration
Cooperative Research
Washington DC 20250
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory
Cincinnati OH 45268
EPA 600 7-79-258
December 1979
Research and Development
Reclamation and
Water Relations of
Strip Mine Spoils in
Northern Arizona
(1976 - 1978)
Interagency
Energy/Environment
R&D Program
Report.
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2 Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconornic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the INTERAGENCY ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT series. Reports in this series result from the
effort funded under the 17-agency Federal Energy/Environment Research and
Development Program. These studies relate to EPA's mission to protect the public
health and welfare from adverse effects of pollutants associated with energy sys-
tems. The goal of the Program is to assure the rapid development of domestic
energy supplies in an environmentally-compatible manner by providing the nec-
essary environmental data and control technology. Investigations include analy-
ses of the transport of energy-related pollutants and their health and ecological
effects; assessments of, and development of, control technologies for energy
systems; and integrated assessments of a wide range of energy-related environ-
mental issues.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/7-79-258
December 1979
RECLAMATION AND WATER RELATIONS OF STRIP
MINE SPOILS IN NORTHERN ARIZONA (1976-1978)
by
A. D. Day
T. C. Tucker
J. L. Thames
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721
IAG No. D6-E762
SEA/CR No. 684-15-1
Program Coordinator
Eilif V. Miller
Mineland Reclamation Research Program
Science and Education Administration - Cooperative Research
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D. C. 20250
Project Officer
Ronald D. Hill
Resource Extraction and Handling Division
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
This study was conducted in cooperation with the Science and Education
Administration, Cooperative Research, USDA, Washington, D. C. 20250.
INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Industrial Environmental Research
Laboratory-Cincinnati, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved
for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily re-
flect the views and policies of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor
does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement
or recommendation for use.
The views and conclusions contained in this report are those of the
authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies
or recommendations of the Science and Education Administration-Cooperative
Research, U S. Department of Agriculture.
ii
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FOREWORD
When energy and material resources are extracted, processed, converted,
and used, the related pollutional impacts on our environment and even on our
health often require that new and increasingly more efficient pollution con-
trol methods be used. The Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-
Cincinnati (IERL-Ci) assists in developing and demostrating new and improved
methodologies that will meet these needs both efficiently and economically.
This report is a product of the EPA planned and coodinated Interagency
Energy/Environment Research and Development Program in cooperation with the
United States Department of Agriculture. Surface mining of coal results in
the denuding of the ground surface. Without the rapid development of a
vegetative cover, accelerated erosion will occur. The report describes
research to develop better reclamation methods and to better understand the
physical and chemical changes occurring in the minesoil. Persons concerned
with mine land reclamation should find this report of interest. For further
information contact the authors or the Resource Extraction and Handling
Division.
David G. Stephan
Director
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati
m
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ABSTRACT
The objectives and approach of this research project were: (1)
to evaluate the properties of coal mine soil, (2) to study the
germination of selected plant species in coal mine soil in the green-
house, (3) to study the growth of selected plant species in coal mine
soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, and (4) to study the livestock feed
value of forage from selected plant species grown in coal mine soil.
The nitrogen and potassium contents were higher in coal mine soil
than they were in unmined soil; however, coal mine soil contained
less phosphorus than did unmined soil.
Average germination percentages for seven plant species grown in
coal mine soil in the greenhouse were similar to germination percentages
for the same species grown in Gila loam soil.
Seven plant species produced satisfactory germination, seedling
establishment, ground cover, and forage production in unmined soil and
coal mine soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine when each soil material was
supplied with optimum soil moisture and fertilizer.
The general livestock feed value of forage from seven plant species
grown in coal mine soil was similar to the feed value of forage from
the same species grown in unmined soil.
This report was submitted as the final report on Grant No. 684-15-1
entitled "Reclamation and Water Relations of Strip Mine Spoils in
Northern Arizona (1976-1978)11. This report covers the period July 1,
1976 through December 31, 1978, and work was completed as of June 30, 1979.
IV
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract iv
Tables vlii
Acknowledgments xii
1. Introduction 1
2. Conclusions 2
3. Recommendations 3
4. Literature Review 4
5. Objectives 8
6. Experimental Procedures 9
7. Results and Discussion 11
Physical and Chemical Properties of Coal Mine Soil 11
Average Germination Percentages for Selected Forage
Species Grown in Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal
Mine Soil, in the Greenhouse, at Tucson, Arizona
in 1976 11
Average Germination Percentages for Selected Forage
Species Grown in Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal
Mine Soil with Different Fertilizer Treatments, in
the Greenhouse, 30 Days After Planting, at Tucson,
Arizona in 1976 and 1977 12
Average Plant Heights for Alfalfa, Barley and
Wheat Forage Species Grown in Gila Loam Soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with Different Fertilizer
Treatments, in the Greenhouse, 180 Days After Plant-
ing, at Tucson, Arizona in 1976 and 1977 12
-------
Average Number of Stems Per Pot for Alfalfa, Barley, Pa9e
and Wheat Forage Species Grown in Gila Loam Soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with Different Fertilizer
Treatments, in the Greenhouse, 180 Days After Plant-
ing, at Tucson, Arizona in 1976 and 1977 13
Average Dry Weights for the Above-ground Portions
of Alfalfa, Barley, and Wheat Forage Plants Grown in
Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with
Different Fertilizer Treatments, in the Greenhouse,
180 Days After Planting, at Tucson, Arizona in 1976
and 1977 13
Summary of Greenhouse Experiments With Black
Mesa Coal Mine Soil in 1976 and 1977 13
Establishment of Field Research Sites on the
Black Mesa Coal Mine 13
Physical and Chemical Evaluations of Soil Mater-
ials at the Field Research Sites on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine 14
Germination of Harlan II Barley Grown on Unmined
Soil and on Coal Mine Soil With Fertilizer, With-
out Fertilizer, With Optimum Soil-moisture, and
With Insufficient Soil-moisture on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine 14
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Num-
ber of Stems Produced, Plant Height, Green Forage
Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content for Seven
Plant Species Grown on Unmined Soil Without Fertilizer
and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation
on the Black Mesa Coal Mine I5
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Num-
ber of Stems Produced, Plant Height, Green Forage
Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content for Seven
Plant Species Grown on Unmined Soil with Fertilizer
and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation
on the Black Mesa Coal Mine 15
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Num-
ber of Stems Produced, Plant Height, Green Forage
Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content for Seven
Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil Without
Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler
Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine 16
VI
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Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Mum- Page
ber of Stems Produced, Plant Height, Green Forage
Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content for Seven
Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil With Fertil-
izer and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler
Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine 16
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems
Produced, Plant Height, Forage Yield, and Ground
Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Unmined
Soil Without Fertilizer and With Natural Rain-
fall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine 16
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems
Produced, Plant Height, Forage Yield, and Ground
Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Unmined
Soil With Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall
Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine 17
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems
Produced, Plant Height, Forage Yield, and Ground
Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine
Soil Without Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall
Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine 17
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems Pro-
duced, Plant Height, Forage Yield, and Ground
Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine
Soil with Fertilizer and with Natural Rainfall
Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine 17
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and
Crude Protein for Plant Species Grown on Unmined
Soil Without Fertilizer 17
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and
Crude Protein for Plant Species Grown on Unmined
Soil with Fertilizer 18
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and
Crude Protein for Plant Species Grown on Coal
Mine Soil Without Fertilizer 18
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and
Crude Protein for Plant Species Grown on Coal
Mine Soil With Fertilizer 18
Special Features of the 1978 Black Mesa Coal
Mine Revegetation Research Program 19
8. Publications 20
vii
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TABLES
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Values for pH, ECe x 103, ESP, total soluble
salts, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in Gila loam
soil, unmined soil, and coal mine soil from
the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona,
in 1976
Page
22
Average germination percentage for selected
forage species grown in Gila loam soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine soil, in the green-
house, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1976
23
Average germination percentages for selected
forage species grown in Gila loam soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different
fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse,
30 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona,
in 1976
24
Average germination percentages for selected
forage species grown in Gila loam soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different
fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse,
30 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona,
in 1977
Average plant heights for alfalfa, barley,
and wheat forage species grown in Gila loam
soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with
different fertilizer treatments, in the green-
house, 180 days after planting, at Tucson,
Arizona, in 1976
25
26
Average plant heights for alfalfa, barley,
and wheat forage species grown in Gila
loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil
with different fertilizer treatments, in
the greenhouse, 180 days after planting,
at Tucson, Arizona, in 1977
27
Average number of stems per pot for alfalfa,
barley, and wheat forage species grown in
Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil
with different fertilizer treatments, in
the greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at
Tucson, Arizona, in 1976 <
28
viii
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Table 8
Table 9
Table 10
Table 11
Table 12
Table 13
Average number of stems per pot for alfalfa,
barley, and wheat forage species grown in
Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil
with different fertilizer treatments, in the
greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at Tucson,
Arizona, in 1977
Page
29
Average dry weights for the above-ground
portions of alfalfa, barley, and wheat
forage plants grown in Gila loam soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different
fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse,
180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona,
in 1976
• 30
Average dry weights for the above-ground
portions of alfalfa, barley, and wheat
forage species grown in Gila loam soil and
Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different
fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse,
180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona,
in 1977
•31
Values for pH, ECe x 103, ESP, total sol-
uble salts, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
potassium (K), sodium (Na), and organic
matter (OM) in unmined soil and coal mine
soil from the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona, for the field study initiated,
in 1977
•32
Average germination of Harlan II Barley
grown on unmined soil and on coal mine
soil with fertilizer, without fertilizer,
with optimum soil-moisture, and with
insufficient soil-moisture on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977
Average germination, seedling estab-
lishment, number of stems produced,
plant height, green forage yield, and
green forage moisture content for seven
plant species grown on unmined soil
without fertilizer and with natural
rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on
the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1977
-33
•34
IX
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Table 14
Table IS
Table 16
Table 17
Table 18
Table 19
Average germination, seedling estab-
lishment, number of steins produced,
plant height, green forage yield, and
green forage moisture content for seven
plant species grown on unmined soil with
fertilizer and with natural rainfall
plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977
Average germination, seedling estab-
lishment, number of stems produced,
plant height, green forage yield, and
green forage moisture content for seven
plant species grown on coal mine soil
without fertilizer and with natural
rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on
the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1977
Average germination, seedling estab-
lishment, number of stems produced,
plant height, green forage yield, and
green forage moisture content for seven
plant species grown on coal mine soil
with fertilizer and with natural rain-
fall plus sprinkler irrigation on the
Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona
in 1977
Average plant establishment, number
of stems produced, plant height, green
forage yield, dry forage yield, and
ground cover for seven plant species
grown on unmined soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall plus
sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978
Average plant establishment, number of
stems produced, plant height, green
forage yield, dry forage yield, and
ground cover for seven plant species
grown on unmined soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall plus sprin-
kler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978 ....
Average plant establishment, number of
stems produced, plant height, green
forage yield, dry forage yield, and
ground cover for seven plant species
Page
35
36
37
38
39
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Table 19
Table 20
Table 21
Table 22
Table 23
Table 24
grown on coal mine soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall plus
sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978 . .
Page
.40
Average plant establishment, number of
stems produced, plant height, green
forage yield, dry forage yield, and
ground cover for seven plant species
grown on coal mine soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall plus sprin-
kler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978
.41
In vitro dry matter disappearance
(IVDMD) and crude protein for seven
plant species grown on unmined soil,
without fertilizer, and with natural
rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on
the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1977
.42
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD)
and crude protein for seven plant species
grown on unmined soil, with fertilizer,
and with natural rainfall and sprinkler
irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine,
Kayenta, Arizona in 1977
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD)
and crude protein for seven plant species
grown on coal mine soil, without fertil-
izer, and with natural rainfall and sprin-
kler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD)
and crude protein for seven plant species
grown on coal mine soil, with fertilizer,
and with natural rainfall and sprinkler
irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine,
Kayenta, Arizona in 1977
.43
.44
.45
XI
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Coal Mine Revegetation Research Program summarized in this
document was conducted by the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station
in cooperation with the Peabody Coal Company, St. Louis, Missouri
on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Kayenta, Arizona. This research
represents an effective, cooperative research effort between the Arizona
Agricultural Experiment Station and the Peabody Coal Company to find an
effective solution to important environmental pollution problems
associated with coal mining in semiarid regions. The authors are grateful
to Mr. A. F. Grandt, Director of Reclamation, Western Group, Peabody Coal
Company and Mr. Walter Begay, Reclamation Supervisor, Peabody Coal
Company for their cooperation and assistance throughout the research study.
The research reported in this report was conducted by three different
units in the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station: (1) Department of
Plant Sciences, (2) Department of Soils, Water, $ Engineering, and (3)
School of Renewable Natural Resources. Special appreciation is extended
to Mr. G. L. Dixon, Research Technician, Department of Plant Sciences for
supervision of much of the field work and for summarizing the data
presented in this final report.
xii
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
Mineral wastes consist of barren overburden, submarginal grade
ore, milling wastes, and strip-mine spoils. These waste materials pre-
sent potential air, water, and environmental pollution hazards. The
total accumulated mineral wastes in the United States was reported to
be about 23 billion metric tons, which covers 2 billion hectares of
land (Donovan et al., 1976). Effective stabilization and revegetation
of mining wastes may reduce and/or eliminate pollution problems asso-
ciated with the mining industry.
Coal mine reclamation research was conducted in Arizona with the
following objectives: (1) to evaluate the properties of coal mine
soil, (2) to study the germination of selected plant species in coal
mine soil in the greenhouse, (3) to study the growth of selected plant
species in coal mine soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, and (4) to study
the livestock feed value of forage from selected plant species grown
in coal mine soil.
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SECTION 2
CONCLUSIONS
The nitrogen and potassium contents were higher in coal mine
soil than in unmined soil; however, coal mine soil contained less
phosphorus than did unmined soil.
Average germination percentages for seven plant species grown in
coal mine soil in the greenhouse were similar to germination percen-
tages for the same species grown in a good agricultural soil, Gila
loam.
Seven plant species produced satisfactory germination, seedling
establishment, ground cover, and forage production in unmined soil and
coal mine soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine when each soil material was
supplied with optimum soil moisture and fertilizer.
The general livestock feed value of forage from seven plant
species grown in coal mine soil was similar to the feed value of forage
from the same species grown in unmined soil.
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SECTION 3
RECOMMENDATIONS
Coal mine soils in the southwestern United States should be provided
with supplemental irrigation sufficient to provide available soil moisture
(natural rainfall + irrigation) equal to the minimum available soil
moisture requirements for establishment of the plant species in the
geographical area. Persistence of plant species after termination of
supplemental irrigation could not be evaluated within the time frame of
this study.
For effective revegetation, coal mine soils in the Southwest should
be evaluated for fertility and fertilized accordingly with sufficient
nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers to provide the minimum N and
P requirements of the plant species grown. In this region potassium (K)
is usually abundant.
Whenever coal mine soils in a new area are to be revegetated, a
number of plant species should be evaluated to permit the selection of
species best adapted to the climatic conditions and specific soil materials
being rehabilitated.
If forage from plant species grown on coal mine soil is to be used
for livestock, its feed value should be compared with the feed value of
forage from the same species grown on unmined soil in the area to detect
potential toxic effects on livestock.
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SECTION 4
LITERATURE REVIEW
The United States Bureau of Solid Waste Management estimated that
by 1980 the United States mineral industries will be generating between
2 and 4 billion metric tons of solid wastes annually (Frey, 1970).
Mineral wastes consist of barren overburden, submarginal grade ore,
milling wastes, and strip-mine spoils. The total accumulated mineral
solid wastes in the United States was reported to be about 23 billion
metric tons that cover 2 billion hectares of land (Donovan, Felder, and
Rogers, 1976). The most serious impact of mineral wastes on air quality
occurs in semiarid and arid regions, such as the southwestern United
States (Donovan et al., 1976).
The primary purpose for reclaiming disturbed lands in semiarid and
arid regions is to stabilize the spoil material and prevent it from being
moved by winds and flash floods, the common transporting agents in dry
climates. After disturbed areas have been stabilized, a second objective
for reclamation is to revegetate the barren soil materials, so that they
will blend into the surrounding landscape and minimize visual pollution.
The principal methods used to stabilize disturbed land areas in dry
climates are: (1) physical, (2) chemical, and (3) vegetative (Donovan
et al., 1976). Physical stabilization, with the use of topsoil and/or
overburden soil materials, has been used successfully to control air
pollution along highways and adjacent to mining operations (Janbu,
1965). Chemical stabilization has been effective in reducing wind and
water erosion of mineral wastes (Struthers, 1964). Vegetative stabilization
has been successfully used around mining operations where plant growth
was needed for livestock and wildlife grazing (Leroy and Keller, 1972).
Four different soil materials (tailing, tailing-overburden,
overburden, and local desert soil) were identified in copper mining
wastes (Ludeke, 1973). The physical and chemical properties of the
foregoing soil materials were studied and described by Ludeke et al. (1974).
They also noted that straw from cereal grains planted on copper tailing
with a "Hydroseeder" and incorporated into the top 15 cm of tailing
with a "Sheepfoot Roller" resulted in the most desirable soil material
for plant growth. Day, Tucker, and Ludeke (1975) reported that perennial
grasses were more easily established and maintained than most other plants
in tailing soil material from copper mines, due to their drought tolerance
and low water requirement. Day and Ludeke (1973) found that giant
bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. var. aridus Harland et de Wet.)
can be used effectively to stabilize copper mine tailing disposal-berms
in southern Arizona. Day et al. (1976) suggested that forage for
livestock grazing may be produced by growing spring barley (Hordeum
vulgare L.) on copper raining wastes in Arizona if the crop is heavily
fertilized with commercial, inorganic fertilizers and supplied with
supplemental irrigation water throughout the growing season.
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A number of states in the western United States contain large coal
deposits that may be surface-mined to satisfy future energy require-
ments in the United States (Power, Sandoval, and Ries, 1977). Schroer
(1976) found that the physical and chemical properties of coal mine
spoils in Montana differ greatly with location. Edgerton, Sopper,
and Kardos (1975) used municipal sewage effluent and sewage sludge to
provide plant nutrients in the revegetation of coal mine spoils in
Pennsylvania. Jones, Armiger, and Bennett (1975) used a two-step
seeding system, successfully, to revegetate surface coal mine spoils
in West Virginia. Small grain species were seeded the first year to
give a quick ground cover and to produce a straw mulch into which
perennial legume and grass species were interseeded the second year.
Gould, Howard, and Valentine (1972) inventoried the soil character-
istics and vegetation production areas leased by Western Coal Company
for strip mining in New Mexico. They observed that Indian ricegrass
(Oryzopsis hymenoides L.), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens L.),
and winterfat (EurotTa lanata L.) grew best on coal spoils in New
Mexico. Thames and Crompton (1974) discovered that the texture of
coal mine spoils in northern Arizona was similar to the texture of a
clay loam soil with little structure. Thames and Verma (1975) reported
that there was an urgent need to revegetate the coal spoils on the
Black Mesa Coal Mine in northern Arizona. Ries, Power, and Sandoval
(1976) found that supplemental irrigation water was essential in the
revegetation of coal mining spoils on surface-mined land in North
Dakota.
Future research involving the revegetation of coal mine soil on
the Black Mesa Coal Mine in northern Arizona must be directed toward
the following objectives: (1) to evaluate the physical and chemical
properties of coal mine soil (spoils) on the Black Mesa Coal Mine and
(2) to study the germination of plant species in the greenhouse and in
the field in coal mine soil.
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REFERENCES
1. Day, A. D., and K. L. Ludeke. 1973. Stabilizing copper mine
tailing disposal berms with giant bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon
L.). J. Environ. Qual. 2:314-315.
2. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, G. 0. Amaugo, and T. C. Tucker. 1976.
Copper mine wastes: good potential as medium for growing live-
stock forage. Engineering the Mining J. 177(2):90-92.
3. Day, A. D., T. C. Tucker, and K. L. Ludeke. September-October,
1975. Vegetation and mine wastes. Agriculture College Council
for Environmental Studies, ACCES 1(1):2-3.
4. Donovan, R. P., R. M. Felder, and H. H. Rogers. 1976. Vegetative
stabilization of mineral waste heaps. U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Technology Series EPA-600/2-76-087.
5. Edgerton, B. R., W. E. Sopper, and L. T. Kardos. 1975. Revege-
tating bituminous strip-mine spoils with municipal wastewater.
Compost Sci. 16(4):20-25.
6. Frey, D. N. 1970. Policies for solid waste management. U.S.
Dept. of Health, Educ. and Welfare. Bureau of Solid Waste Manage-
ment Bull. 75. 65 p.
7. Gould, W. L., V. W. Howard, and K. A. Valentine. 1972. Soil
characteristics, bioltic composition, and vegetative production of
areas leased by Western Coal Company for strip mining near Fruit-
land, New Mexico. New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station,
Special Report No. 20. 49 p.
8. Janbu, H. 1954. Stability analysis of slopes with dimensionless
parameters. Harvard Soil Mechanics Series 46:29-54.
9. Jones, J. N., Jr., W. H. Armiger, and 0. L. Bennett. 1975. A
two-step system for revegetation of surface mine spoils. J.
Environ. Qual. 4(2):233-235.
10. LeRoy, J. C., and H. Keller. 1972. How to reclaim mined areas,
tailing ponds, and dumps into valuable lands. World Mining 8:34-41,
11. Ludeke, K. L. 1973. Soil Properties of materials in copper mine
tailing dikes. Mining Congress J. 59(8):30-37.
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12. Ludeke, K. L., A. D. Day, L. S. Stith, and J. L. Stroehlein. 1974.
Piraa studies tailings soil makeup as prelude to successful revege-
tation. Engineering and Mining J. 175:72-74.
13. Power, J. F., F. M. Sandoval, and R. E. Ries. 1977. Strip min-
ing: getting the energy while keeping the environment. Crops
and Soils 29(4):12-14.
14. Ries, R. E., J. F. Power, and F. M. Sandoval. 1976. Potential
use of supplemental irrigation for establishment of vegetation
on surface-mined land. North Dakota Farm Research 34(l):21-22.
15. Schroer, F. W. 1976. Chemical and physical characterization of
coal overburden. North Dakota Farm Research 34C1):5-11.
16. Struthers, P. H. 1964. Chemical weathering of strip-mine spoils.
Ohio Sci. J. 64(2):125-131.
17. Thames, J. L., and E. J. Crompton. 1974. Reclamation studies on
the Black Mesa. Progressive Agriculture in Arizona 26(1):14-16.
18. Thames, J. L., and T. R. Verma. 1975. Coal mine reclamation on
the Black Mesa and the four corners area of northeastern Arizona.
p. 48-64. In M. K. Wali (ed.) Practices and problems of land
reclamation in North America. University of North Dakota Press,
Fargo.
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SECTION 5
OBJECTIVES
The general objectives of the revegetation portion of this
research study were the following:
1. To evaluate the physical and chemical properties of coal mine
soil (spoils) on the Black Mesa Coal Mine.
2. To study the germination of selected plant species in the
greenhouse in coal mine soil.
3. To study the seedling establishment, forage yield, and ground
cover for selected plant species in coal mine soil on the
Black Mesa Coal Mine.
4. To study the livestock feed value of forage from selected plant
species grown in coal mine soil.
8
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SECTION 6
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Coal mine soil and unmined soil from the Black Mesa Mine were
transported to the University of Arizona in Tucson for chemical eval-
uations and for greenhouse studies. Gila loam soil, which is a fertile
agricultural soil found in southern Arizona, was also transported to
the University of Arizona for chemical evaluations and for greenhouse
studies. Gila loam is an excellent agricultural soil and it is fre-
quently used as a "check soil" in greenhouse experiments. The chemical
characteristics of the three soil materials were analyzed in the Soils,
Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory at the University of Arizona.
The average germination percentages of seven plant species:
Cl) Indian ricegrass, (2) Fourwing saltbush, (3) Winterfat, (4) Barley,
(5) Wheat, (6) Alfalfa, and (7) Yellow sweetclover were obtained when
the plants were grown in Gila loam soil and coal mine soil in the green-
house. The species were germinated in the two soil materials in metal
flats in the greenhouse under near ideal conditions of temperature and
humidity.
The general plan of work for the field research studies to deter-
mine the seedling establishment, forage yield, and ground cover for
selected plant species in coal mine soil was as follows:
Two types of soil materials were studied:
1. Unmined soil.
2. Coal mine soil.
Two soil-moisture conditions were evaluated:
1. Natural rainfall.
2. Natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation.
Two fertilizer treatments were studied:
1. No additional fertilizer.
2. The addition of 500 pounds per acre of 16-20-0 commercial
fertilizer.
Two soil mulch environments were evaluated:
1. No additional soil mulch.
2. The addition of barley straw as a soil mulch.
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Seven (7) plant species were compared when grown on the two soil
materials, with the two soil-moisture conditions, with the two fertil-
izer treatments, and with the two soil mulch environments:
1. Harlan II Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
2. Super X Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.)
3. Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L.)
4. Western Wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.)
5. Indian Ricegrass (Aryzopsis hymenoides Ricker.)
6. Vernal Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
7. Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens Pursh.)
The following seed and/or plant characteristics were studied for
each plant species when grown in each environment:
1. Number of seeds germinated in 10 square feet.
2. Number of seedlings established in 10 square feet.
3. Number of stems produced in 10 square feet.
4. Plant height at the end of the growing season.
5. Percent ground cover.
6. Forage yield in 10 square feet.
7. Forage quality estimate.
The general livestock feed value of forage from each plant
species was determined by submitting forage samples to the Department
of Animal Sciences, University of Arizona, for crude protein and in
vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) determinations.
10
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SECTION 7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Physical and Chemical Properties of Coal Mine Soil
Most of the surface-mined area on the Black Mesa Coal Mine may be
cultivated and seeded with modified, commercial agriculture equipment.
Values for pH, ECe x 103, ESP, total soluble salts, nitrogen (N), phos-
phorus CP)> potassium (K), and sodium (Na) in Gila loam soil, unmined soil,
and coal mine soil from the Black Mesa Coal Mine are reported in Table 1.
The pH of coal mine soil was lower than the pH of unmined soil or Gila
loam. This indicates that plants that grow well in an acid environment
may be better adapted to this specific coal mine soil than plants that
grow best under alkaline conditions. It should be pointed out that this
coal mine soil was made by a scraper-type operation, instead of a drag-
line. Other soil tests indicate that dragline soil on the Black Mesa
usually has a neutral pH. The ESP in coal mine soil was similar to the
ESP in Gila loam and much lower than the ESP in unmined soil. This indi-
cates that sodium should not present any problems in coal mine soil;
however, in unmined soil sodium problems may occur. The total soluble
salts in coal mine soil and unmined soil were much higher than in Gila
loam; however, coal mine soil was lower in total soluble salts than unmined
soil. Salt-sensitive plant species may be injured when grown in both coal
mine soil and unmined soil at the levels of salt indicated. The nitrogen
content of coal mine soil was much higher than the nitrogen content of
unmined soil or Gila loam. This indicates that lower nitrogen fertilizer
applications would be needed for plants growing in coal mine soil than
would be necessary for plants produced on unmined soil. The total amount
of phosphorus in coal mine soil was much lower than the phosphorus
content of unmined soil. The availability of phosphorus to plants
growing on coal mine soil and unmined soil is not known and should be
studied in future research. Coal mine soil, unmined soil, and Gila
loam contained similar amounts of potassium. There appears to be
sufficient potassium in both coal mine soil and unmined soil for the
growth of most plants. The sodium content of coal mine soil was much
lower than the sodium content of unmined soil. From these data, it also
appears that sodium should not present any problems in coal mine soil
but may present problems in unmined soil.
The Black Mesa Coal Mine is located in northeastern Arizona, near
the town of Kayenta, at an elevation of about 2,132 m (7,000 ft.). The
annual precipitation is about 30 cm (12 in.) and approximately one-half
falls during the winter months as snow. Snowmelt occurs in late winter
and produces some runoff on unmined areas but very little runoff on
mined areas. Most of the rainfall occurs as convection storms of short
duration and high intensity during mid and late summer. These storms
are spotty and occasionally result in flash floods.
11
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Average Germination Percentages for Selected Forage Species Grown in
Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil, in the Greenhouse, at
Tucson, Arizona in 1976
Average germination percentages, 30 days after planting, for the
seven (7) plant species grown in the greenhouse in Gila loam soil and
in coal mine soil in a preliminary germination study are presented in
Table 2. Generally speaking, the germination percentages for all plant
species grown in coal mine soil were similar to germination percentages
for the same species grown in Gila loam. Comparisons between native
and domesticated plant species showed great differences in germination
and emergence when they were planted in coal mine soil. For example,
alfalfa, barley, and wheat had high rates of germination, that ranged
from 84 to 93%. These species also germinated more quickly than did
the other species studied. In contrast, Indian ricegrass and fourwing
saltbush germinated very poorly in coal mine soil. The low germination
percentage of these two species was probably due to seed dormancy. The
relatively low germination percentages for yellow sweetclover may have
resulted from the presence of a high percentage of hard seeds. This
condition may be partially overcome by seed scarification prior to
planting. Winterfat presented a germination problem that differed from
that observed in all other plant species studied. The initial germin-
ation of this species was acceptable, considering the seed dormancy
encountered with many indigenous plant species; however, soon after
emergence, a disease similar to damping-off caused the initial leaves
to drop off and the young seedlings to die. Coal mine soil did not
appear to possess any undesirable characteristics that might result in
lower germination percentages for the plant species studied than would
be expected for the same species grown in Gila loam soil.
Average Germination Percentages for Selected Forage Species Grown in
Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with Different Fertilizer
Treatments, in the Greenhouse, 50 Days After Planting, Tt Tucson,
Arizona in 1976 and 1977
Average germination percentages, 30 days after planting, for the
seven (7) plant species grown in the greenhouse in Gila loam soil,
coal mine soil, and coal mine soil following the addition of commer-
cial, inorganic fertilizer and/or dried sewage sludge are reported
in Tables 3 and 4. The germination results obtained from the second
germination and seedling growth experiment were similar to the obser-
vations made in the first germination experiment, with the exception
of yellow sweetclover in 1977. Since the germination percentages for
yellow sweetclover, Indian ricegrass, fourwing saltbush, and winterfat
were extremely low or non-existent, meaningful germination and seedling
growth data were obtained only for alfalfa, barley, and wheat. During
the first 30 days of the experiment, alfalfa, barley, and wheat all
germinated well and produced healthy seedlings. Thirty days after
planting, there were no apparent differences in the seedling growth of
each species between soil and fertilizer treatments.
12
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Average _P_lant_Heights for Alfalfa, Barley, and Wheat Forage Species
Grown in Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with Different
Fertilizer Treatments, in the Greenhouse, 180 Days After Planting,
at Tucson, Arizona in 1976 and 1977
The average plant heights 180 days after planting for alfalfa,
barley, and wheat grown in Gila loam soil, coal mine soil, and coal
mine soil following the addition of commercial fertilizer and/or dried
sewage sludge are presented in Tables 5 and 6. Alfalfa and wheat plants
appeared to be shorter in coal mine soil than in Gila loam. The addi-
tion of commercial fertilizer and/or dried sewage sludge to coal mine
soil tended to result in taller plants^of alfalfa and wheat.
Average Number of Stems Per Pot for Alfalfa, Barley, and Wheat Forage
Species Grown in Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil with
Different Fertilizer Treatments, in the Greenhouse, 180 Days After
Planting, at Tucson, Arizona in 1976 and 1977
Tables 7 and 8 report the average number of stems per pot 180 days
after planting for alfalfa, barley, and wheat grown in Gila loam soil,
coal mine soil, and coal mine soil following the addition of commercial
fertilizer and/or dried sewage sludge. Alfalfa and barley produced
fewer stems per pot in coal mine soil than they did in Gila loam soil.
The addition of commercial fertilizer and/or dried sewage sludge to
coal mine soil resulted in an increase in the number of stems per pot
from alfalfa and barley. Wheat produced the same number of stems per
pot in all soil and fertilizer treatments studied in 1976. In 1977,
wheat grown in Gila loam produced more stems per pot than did wheat
grown in all coal mine soil and fertilizer treatments.
Average Dry Weights for the Above-ground Portions of Alfalfa, Barley,
and Wheat Forage Plants Grown in Gila Loam Soil and Black Mesa Coal
Mine Soil with Different Fertilizer Treatments, in thegreenhouse,
180 Days After Planting, at Tucson, Arizona in 1976 and 1977
The average dry weights per pot for the above-ground protions of
alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage grown in Gila loam soil, coal mine
soil, and coal mine soil following the addition of commercial fertilizer
and/or dried sewage sludge are presentedin Tables 9 and 10. Alfalfa
and barley produced more dry forage when grown in Gila loam than in
coal mine soil in 1976. In 1977, wheat produced more dry forage when
grown in Gila loam that it produced in coal mine soil. The addition
of commercial fertilizer and/or dried sewage sludge to coal mine soil
tended to increase the production of forage from alfalfa, barley, and
wheat; however, a number of the yield differences were not statistically
significant under the conditions present in this experiment.
Summary of Greenhouse Experiments With Black Mesa Coal Mine Soil in
1976 and 1977
Plant growth data from forage species grown in the greenhouse
indicate that coal mine soil from the Black Mesa Mine has a lower
fertility level than does Gila loam soil. When supplied with optimum
soil moisture and plant nutrients, coal mine soil produced approxi-
mately the same yields of forage from alfalfa, barley, and wheat as
13
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were produced in Gila loam soil under the same soil-moisture and fertil-
ity conditions. Forage production from plant species grown on unmined
soil on the Black Mesa is not known at the present time; however, it
will be studied in future experiments.
Establishment of Field Research Sites on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
Field research sites were established in the J-7 area of the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, adjacent to a source of irrigation water, in March,
1977. One 2-acre area, on surface-mined coal lands from a dragline
operation, and one 2-acre area on unmined land were selected and
fenced for field research during 1977. A Sprinkler Irrigation System
was installed on one acre on each research site to permit the compar-
ison of plant species grown on each soil material with natural rain-
fall and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation.
Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Soil Materials at the Field
Research Sites on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The physical characteristics of the soil materials at the two
field research sites on the Black Mesa Coal Mine were observed and
the future potential of each site for field experiments were eval-
uated. The unmined soil appeared to have a higher clay content and
a lower rate of soil-moisture penetration than did the coal mine soil.
The general slope of the unmined site was less than the slope of the
surface-mined site. The texture of the soil material at the unmined
site was more suitable for the use of commercial agricultural field
equipment than was the texture of the soil material at the surface-
rained site.
Fifty (50) soil samples were taken at random from the surface 15
cm of the soil material at each research site, composited, and sent
to the Soils, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory at the University
of Arizona for chemical evaluation. Values for pH, ECe x 1()3, ESP, total
soluble salts, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium
(Na), and organic matter (OM) in unmined soil and coal mine soil from
the Black Mesa Coal Mine are reported in Table 11. The pH of coal mine
soil was lower than the pH of unmined soil. The total soluble salts in
coal mine soil were about four times higher than they were in unmined
soil. The nitrogen and potassium contents were much higher in coal mine
soil than they were in unmined soil; however, coal mine soil contained
much less phosphorus than did unmined soil. Sodium was not a problem
at either site as indicated by ESP. Coal mine soil contained three
times as much organic matter as did unmined soil. Some differences were
noted between chemical properties of soil samples from the field site
and earlier samples taken from the materials used in the greenhouse
experiment. These differences reflect variations in the unmined soil
as well as mined soil from different specific locations.
The foregoing chemical evaluations of unmined soil and coal mine
soil suggest that plants that grow well in an acid environment may be
better adapted to this specific coal mine soil than plants that grow
best under alkaline conditions. Salt-sensitive plant species may be
more subject to injury when grown in coal mine soil than when grown in
14
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unmined soil. The nitrogen and potassium needs for plants growing in
coal mine soil may be less than needs of the same fertilizer elements
for plants growing in unmined soil; however, plants growing in coal
mine soil may have a greater requirement for phosphorus fertilizer
than plants growing in unmined soil. The possibility of sodium problems
appears €o be greater in coal mine soil than in unmined soil. It is
believed that the addition of liberal amounts of organic matter to both
coal mine soil and unmined soil would be beneficial in the preparation
of these soil materials for the establishment of perennial grasses and
legumes.
Germination of Harlan II Barley Grown on Unmined Soil and on Coal Mine
Soil With Fertilizer, Without Fertilizer, With Optimum Soil-moisture,
and With Insufficient Soil-moisture on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average germination of Harlan II Barley grown on unmined soil,
and on coal mine soil with fertilizer, without fertilizer, with optimum
soil-moisture, and with insufficient soil-moisture was studied on the
Black Mesa Coal Mine in 1977. The fertilized plots received 500 pounds
per acre of 16-20-0 commercial, inorganic fertilizer at planting time.
The optimum soil-moisture treatment received sufficient sprinkler irri-
gation to permit optimum germination in the specific soil material.
The insufficient soil-moisture treatment received 50% as much sprinkler
irrigation as did the optimum irrigation treatment. Average germin-
ation counts for the four replications of each treatment were recorded
as the number of seeds germinated in 10 square feet.
Barley grown on unmined soil had a higher germination percentage
than did barley grown on coal mine soil (Table 12). Barley that was
fertilized had a higher germination percentage than did barley that
was not fertilized (Table 12). Barley that received optimum soil-
moisture had a higher germination percentage than did barley that
received insufficient soil-moisture (Table 12).
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Number of Stems Produced,
Plant Height, Green Forage Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content
for Seven Plant Species Grown on Unmined Soil Without Fertilizer and
With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine
The average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems
produced, plant height, green forage yield, and green forage moisture
content for seven plant species grown on unmined soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 13.
Barley, wheat, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and alfalfa
had the highest germination, seedling establishment, and number of stems
per unit area of the seven plant species studied. Barley produced the
highest yield of green forage per acre, followed by wheat, alfalfa,
fourwing saltbush, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and Indian
ricegrass, in decreasing order.
15
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Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Number of Stems Produced,
Plant Height, Green Forage Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content
for Seven Plant Species Grown on Unmined Soil With Fertilizer and With
Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems
produced, plant height, green forage yield, and green forage moisture
content for seven plant species grown on unmined soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 14.
Barley, wheat, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and
alfalfa had the highest germination, seedling establishment, and num-
ber of stems per unit area of the seven plant species studied. Wheat
produced the highest yield of green forage per acre, followed by barley,
fourwing saltbush, alfalfa, western wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass,
and Indian ricegrass, in decreasing order.
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Number of Stems Produced,
Plant Height, Green Forage Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content
for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil Without Fertilizer
and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine'
The average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems
produced, plant height, green forage yield, and green forage moisture
content for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 15.
Barley, wheat, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and
alfalfa had the highest germination, seedling establishment, and num-
ber of stems per unit area of the seven plant species studied. Barley
produced the highest yield of green forage per acre, followed by wheat,
fourwing saltbush, crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, western wheatgrass,
and Indian ricegrass, in decreasing order.
Average Germination, Seedling Establishment, Number of Stems Produced,
Plant Height, Green Forage Yield, and Green Forage Moisture Content
for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil With Fertilizer and"
With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal
Mine
The average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems
produced, plant height, green forage yield, and green forage moisture
content for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 16.
Barley, wheat, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and
alfalfa had the highest germination, seedling establishment, and num-
ber of stems per unit area of the seven plant species studied. Barley
produced the highest yield of green forage per acre, followed by wheat,
fourwing saltbush, western wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, and
Indian ricegrass, in decreasing order.
16
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Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems Produced, Plant Height,
Forage Yield, and Ground Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on
Unmined Soil Without Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall Plus
Sprinkler Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant
height, forage yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown on
unmined soil without fertilizer and with natural rainfall plus sprin-
kler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978
are reported in Table 17.
Alfalfa, crested wheatgrass, barley, western wheatgrass, and
wheat produced the highest number of plants per unit area. Alfalfa,
crested wheatgrass, fourwing saltbush, and barley produced the high-
est yields of dry forage per acre. Alfalfa produced the most com-
plete ground cover, followed by crested wheatgrass, barley, wheat,
western wheatgrass, fourwing saltbush, and Indian ricegrass, in
decreasing order.
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems Produced. Plant Height,
Forage Yield, and Ground Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on
Unmined Soil with Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler
Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant
height, forage yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown
on unmined soil with fertilizer and with natural rainfall plus sprin-
kler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978
are reported in Table 18.
Alfalfa, barley, wheat, and crested wheatgrass produced the
highest number of plants per unit area. Barley, western wheatgrass,
crested wheatgrass, and fourwing saltbush produced the highest yields
of dry forage per acre. Alfalfa produced the most complete ground
cover, followed by barley, wheat, crested wheatgrass, western wheat-
grass, fourwing saltbush, and Indian ricegrass, in decreasing order.
Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems Produced, Plant Height,
Forage Yield, and Ground Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal
Mine Soil Without Fertilizer and With Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler
Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant
height, forage yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown
on coal mine soil without fertilizer and with natural rainfall plus
sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona
in 1978 are reported in Table 19.
Crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, western wheatgrass, wheat, and
barley produced the highest number of plants per unit area. Fourwing
saltbush, crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, and barley produced the high-
est yields of dry forage per acre. Fourwing saltbush produced the most
complete ground cover, followed by crested wheatgrass, western wheat-
grass, alfalfa, barley, wheat, and Indian ricegrass, in decreasing order.
17
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Average Plant Establishment, Number of Stems Produced, Plant Height,
Forage Yield, and Ground Cover for Seven Plant Species Grown on Coal
Mine Soil with Fertilizer and with Natural Rainfall Plus Sprinkler
Irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine
The average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant
height, forage yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown
on coal mine soil with fertilizer and with natural rainfall plus
sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in
1978 are reported in Table 20.
Crested wheatgrass, alfalfa, western wheatgrass, and barley pro-
duced the highest number of plants per unit area. Fourwing saltbush,
crested wheatgrass, barley, and western wheatgrass produced the high-
est yields of dry forage per acre. Western wheatgrass produced the
most complete ground cover, followed by alfalfa, fourwing saltbush,
crested wheatgrass, barley, wheat, and Indian ricegrass, in decreasing
order.
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and Crude Protein for Plant
Species Grown on Unmined Soil Without Fertilizer
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein in
forage from seven plant species grown on unmined soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 21.
The IVDMD in forage from the seven plant species studied ranged
from 56.4 to 7i.7%. Forage from alfalfa had the highest and forage
from Indian ricegrass had the lowest IVDMD percentage.
The crude protein in forage from the seven plant species ranged
from 8.1 to 16.3%. Forage from crested wheatgrass had the highest
and forage from wheat had the lowest protein percentage.
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and Crude Protein for Plant
Species Grown on Unmined Soil with Fertilizer
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein in
forage from seven plant species grown on unmined soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 22.
The IVDMD in forage from the seven plant species ranged from 64.9
to 74.3%. Forage from crested wheatgrass had the highest and forage
from fourwing saltbush had the lowest IVDMD percentage. With one excep-
tion, the addition of fertilizer increased the IVDMD percentage of the
forage from all plant species (Table 21 and 22).
The crude protein in forage from the seven plant species ranged
from 10.1 to 20.9%. Forage from crested wheatgrass had the highest and
forage from wheat had the lowest protein percentage. With one exception,
the addition of fertilizer increased the protein percentage in the
forage from all plant species (Tables 21 and 22).
18
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In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and Crude Protein for Plant
Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil Without Fertilizer
In vitro matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein in
forage from seven plant species grown on coal mine soil without fertil-
izer and with natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black
Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 23.
The IVDMD in forage from the seven plant species ranged from 59.1
to 77.6%. Forage from alfalfa had the highest and forage from wheat
had the lowest IVDMD percentage.
The crude protein in forage from the seven plant species ranged
from 12.5 to 26.3%. Forage from crested wheatgrass had the highest
and forage from wheat had the lowest protein percentage.
In Vitro Dry Matter Disappearance (IVDMD) and Crude Protein for Plant
Species Grown on Coal Mine Soil With Fertilizer
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein in
forage from seven plant species grown on coal mine soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977 are reported in Table 24.
The IVDMD in forage from the seven plant species ranged from 65.3
to 81.9%. Forage from alfalfa had the highest and forage from wheat had
the lowest IVDMD percentage. With one exception, the addition of fertil-
izer increased the IVDMD percentage in the forage from all plant species
(Tables 23 and 24).
The crude protein in the forage from the seven plant species
ranged from 13.8 to 23.8%. Forage from crested wheatgrass and alfalfa
had the highest and forage from wheat had the lowest protein percentage.
The addition of fertilizer to coal mine soil did not influence the
protein content in forage from plant species as much as did the addition
of fertilizer to unreined soil (Tables 21, 22, 23, and 24).
Special Features of the 1978 Black Mesa Coal Mine Revegetation
Research Program
Approximately 8 inches of natural rainfall were obtained during
the growing season (May 1 through November 30, 1978) on the Black Mesa
Coal Mine in 1978. The foregoing amount of natural rainfall was not
sufficient to permit any of the adapted plant species to produce
enough dry forage for harvest and yield estimates on coal mine soil.
Approximately 2 acre-feet of irrigation water were applied to
the irrigated research plots during the growing season (May 1 through
November 30, 1978). The cost of the foregoing amount of irrigation
water would be $50 per acre (assuming a value of $25 per acre-foot).
The fertilized research plots received 500 pounds per acre of
16-20-0 commercial, inorganic fertilizer. The cost of the foregoing
amount of fertilizer would be $44 per acre (assuming a value of $176
per ton).
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SECTION 8
PUBLICATIONS
1. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, and T. C. Tucker. April-June, 1977.
Influence of soil materials in copper mine wastes on the growth
and quality of barley grain. Journal of Environmental Quality
6(2):170-181.
2. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, T. C. Tucker, and R. E. Dennis. April,
1977. Copper mine tailing stabilized with bermudagrass. Univer-
sity of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service, Arizona Agri-File
F. C. 290.1:1.
3. Ludeke, K. L., A. D. Day, and T. C. Tucker. November, 1977.
Reclamation of copper tailings with municipal wastes. American
Society of Agronomy, Agronomy Abstracts, p. 31.
4. Day, A. D. January, 1977. Arizona Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion Project No. ARZT-2014-4156-92, "Plants for Pollution and
Erosion Control, Beautification, and Browse". 1976 Research
Progress Report. 6 p.
5. Thames, J. L. October, 1977. Annual Progress Report on "Recla-
mation and Water Relations of Strip Mine Spoils in Northern Ari-
zona". 36 p.
6. Day, A. D., and K. L. Ludeke. 1978. New barley plants grow
faster and stabilize copper tailing better. World Mining
31:41-43.
7. Ries, R. E., and A. D. Day. 1978. Use of irrigation in recla-
mation in dry regions, p. 505-520. jri F. W. Schaller, and Paul
Sutton (eds.), Reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. Amer-
ican Society of Agronomy, Inc.; Crop Science Society of America,
Inc.; and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.; Madison, Wisconsin,
USA.
8. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, and T. C. Tucker. 1978. Revegetation
of mining wastes. American Society of Agronomy, Agronomy Abstracts.
p. 23.
9. Day, A. D., T. C. Tucker, and G. L. Dixon. March, 1978. Coal mine
reclamation with barley. 1977 Barley Newsletter 21:3-4.
20
-------
10. Day, A. D., T. C. Tucker, and G. L. Dixon. May, 1978. Coal mine
reclamation with wheat. 1977 Annual Wheat Newsletter 24:80-81.
11. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, T. C. Tucker, and R. E. Dennis. January,
1978. Copper tailings reclaimed with municipal wastes. University
of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service Arizona Agri-File F. C.
290.3:1.
12. Day, A. D., K. L. Ludeke, T. C. Tucker, and R. E. Dennis. March,
1978. Barley grown on soil materials in copper mine wastes.
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service Arizona Agri-
File F. C. 290.5:1.
13. Day, A. D., and K. L. Ludeke. May 21-25, 1978. Disturbed land
reclamation in an arid environment. Second International Tail-
ing Symposium, Denver, Colorado. 17 p. This symposium was spon-
sored by World Mining, 500 Howard Street, San Francisco,
California 94105.
14. Day, A. D. January, 1978. Arizona Agricultural Experiment
Station Project No. ARZT-5010-4168-22 (Account No. 855423),
"Reclamation and Water Relations of Strip Mine Spoils in Northern
Arizona" and Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Project
No. ARZT-2014-4156-92 (Account No. 171277), "Plants for Pollution
and Erosion Control, Beautification and Browse". Arizona Agr. Exp.
Sta., Coal Mine Research Progress Report 78(l):l-55.
15. Mitchell, G. F. 1979. A greenhouse evaluation of plant species
for use in revegetation of Black Mesa Coal Mine overburden material.
M. S. Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson. 46 p.
16. Day, A. D., G. F. Mitchell, T. C. Tucker, and J. L. Thames. 1979.
Emergence and growth of plant species in coal mine soil. Journal
of Environmental Quality 8:110-114.
21
-------
TABLE 1
Values for pH, ECe x 103, ESP, total soluble salts, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) , potassium (K), and
sodium (Na) in Gila loam soil, unmined soil, and coal mine soil from the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona, in 1976.
ro
ro
Soil
material
pH
ECe x 103 ESP
Total
soluble
salts N
P
(ppm) (ppm) (ppm)
Gila
loam soil
Unmined soil
Coal
mine soil
7.6
7.5
6.2
0.54 2
6.56 16
4.63 1
378 5
4592 4
3241 64
.7 1.8
.5 1.7
.0 0.3
K
(ppm)
14
9
11
Na
(ppm)
12
1196
147
Note: N, K, and Na were obtained by water soluble extraction and P was obtained by C02 extraction.
-------
TABLE 2
Average germination percentages for selected forage species grown in Gila loam soil and Black Mesa
Coal Mine soil, in the greenhouse, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1976.
Forage species Gila loam soil Coal mine soil
ro
to
Indian ricegrass 1.5 d + 1.5 d
Fourwing saltbush 1.3 d 1.5 d
Winterfat t 32.0 b 35.0 b
Harlan II barley 99.0 a 93.0 a
Siete Cerros wheat 91.0 a 88.0 a
Vernal alfalfa 87.0 a 84.0 a
Yellow sweetclover 9.0 o 5.7 o
+ Means in the same column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5% level of signifi-
cance, using Student-Newman-Keuls1 Test.
+ Mean seedling survival rates for winterfat were 5.0% in Gila loam soil and 7.3% in coal mine soil.
-------
TABLE 3
Average germination percentages for selected forage species grown in Gila loam soil and Black Mesa
Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse, 30 days after planting, at
Tucson, Arizona, in 1976.
Soil and fertilizer Barley Wheat Alfalfa Yellow Indian Fourwing
treatment sweetclover ricegrass saltbush Winterfat
Gila loam 100 a + 92 a 67 b Oa Oa 7a Oa
(check)
Coal mine soil 100 a 92 a 93 a Oa Oa Oa 7a
(check)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge 100 a 92 a 87 a Oa 7a Oa Oa
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 100 a 92 a 80 a 13 a Oa Oa Oa
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 93 a 87 a 87 a 7a Oa Oa Oa
+ Means in the same column followed by the same letter are not different at the 5% level of signifi-
cance, using Student-Newman-Keuls1 Test.
-------
TABLE 4
Average germination percentages for selected forage species grown in Gila loam soil and Black Mesa
Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the greenhouse, 30 days after planting, at
Tucson, Arizona, in 1977.
Soil and fertilizer Barley Wheat Alfalfa
treatment
Gila loam soil
(check) 100 a+ 40 a 67 a
Coal mine soil
(check) 100 a 67 a 87 a
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge 100 a 27 a 87 a
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 100 a 40 a 93 a
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 93 a 13 a 80 a
Yellow Indian
sweetclover ricegrass
53 a 13 a
87 a 0 a
53 a 0 a
53 a 0 a
60 a 7 a
Fourwing
salt bush
7 a
13 a
7 a
20 a
20 a
Winterf at
0 a
0 a
0 a
0 a
0 a
+ Means in the same column followed by the same letter are not different at the 5% level of signifi-
cance, using Student-Newman-Keuls' Test.
-------
TABLE 5
Average plant heights for alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage species grown in Gila loam
soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the green-
house, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1976.
ro
en
Soil and fertilizer treatments
Alfalfa
Barley
Wheat
Gila loam soil
(check)
Coal Mine soil
(check)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sevrage sludge
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
43 a+ 68 a 63 ab
23 a 61 a 48 b
26 a 56 a 63 ab
38 a 58 a 61 ab
29 a 63 a 64 a
+ Means in the sane column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newnan-Keuls' Test.
-------
TABLE 6
Average plant heights for alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage species grown in Gila loam
soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the green-
house, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1977.
Soil and fertilizer treatments
Alfalfa
Barley
Wheat
ro
Gila loam soil
(check)
Coal mine soil
(check)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
26 a+
18 a
25 a
29 a
31 a
Plant height in cm
50 a
57 a
51 a
52 a
50 a
63 a
42 b
54 ab
65 a
61 a
+ Means in the same column, followed by the same letter are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newman-Keuls' Test.
-------
TABLE 7
Average number of stems per pot for alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage species grown in
Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the
greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1976.
Soil and fertilizer treatments
Alfalfa
Barley
Wheat
00
Gila loam soil
(check)
Coal mine soil
(check)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
34 a +
5 b
15 ab
20 ab
21 ab
Number of stems
13 ab
6 b
14 ab
17 a
18 a
3 a
3 a
3 a
3 a
3 a
+ Means in the same column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newman-Keuls' Test.
-------
TABLE 8
Average number of steins per pot for alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage species grown in
Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer treatments, in the
greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1977.
PO
Soil and fertilizer treatments
Alfalfa
Barley
Wheat
Gila loam soil
(check)
Coal mine soil
Ccheck)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
18 a + 15 a
9 b 7 a
20 a 12 a
21 a 12 a
25 a 12 a
6 a
3 b
2 c
4 b
4 b
+ Means in the same column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newman-Keuls1 Test.
-------
TABLE 9
Average dry weights for the above-ground portions of alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage
plants grown in Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer
treatments, in the greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1976.
CO
o
Soil and fertilizer treatments
Gila loam soil
(check)
Coal mine soil
(check)
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer
Alfalfa Barley
g/pou
7.1 a + 13.0 a
0.3 b 5.1 b
2.6 ab 10.0 a
4.9 ab 11.0 a
3.6 ab 12.8 a
Wheat
4.2 a
1.2 a
2.7 a
3.5 a
3.4 a
Means in the same column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newman-Keuls' Test.
-------
TABLE 10
Average dry weights for the above-ground portions of alfalfa, barley, and wheat forage
species grown in Gila loam soil and Black Mesa Coal Mine soil with different fertilizer
treatments, in the greenhouse, 180 days after planting, at Tucson, Arizona, in 1977.
Soil and fertilizer treatments Alfalfa
Gila loam soil
(check) 4 a +
Coal mine soil
(check) 2 a
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge 2 a
Coal mine soil plus
1.8 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 4 a
Coal mine soil plus
12.0 g sewage sludge plus
0.9 g 10-10-10 fertilizer 3 a
Barley
g/pot
8 b
6 b
9 b
9 b
13 a
Wheat
5 a
1 b
1 b
4 a
3 a
Means in the same column, followed by the same letter, are not different at the 5%
level of significance, using Student-Newman-Keuls1 Test.
-------
TABLE 11
3
Values for pH, ECg X 10 , ESP, total soluble salts, nitrogen CN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K),
sodium (Na), and organic matter (OM) in unmined soil and coal mine soil from the Black Mesa Coal
Mine, Kayenta, Arizona, for the field study initiated in 1977.
Total
, soluble
Soil material pH EC X 10 ESP salts N P K Na OM
(ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) ( %
Unmined soil 7.4 2 0 1190 6.0 2.3 18 46 1.2
Coal mine soil 6.6 6 1 4270 78.0 0.5 38 208 3.4
Note: N, K, and Na were obtained by water soluble extraction and P was obtained by CO,
extraction.
-------
TABLE 12
Average germination of Harlan II Barley grown on unmined soil and on coal
mine soil with fertilizer, without fertilizer, with optimum soil-moisture,
and with insufficient soil-moisture on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Keyenta,
Arizona in 1977.
Soil
material
Unmined soil
Coal mine soil
Fertilizer Soil-
treatment moisture
Fertilized Optimum
Insufficient
Not Fertilized Optimum
Insufficient
Fertilized Optimum
Insufficient
Not Fertilized Optimum
Insufficient
Germination
(seeds/10 sq. ft.)
143
69
130
39
135
24
55
17
Comments
1. Planted on 5/25/77.
2. Germination counts taken on 6/22/77.
3. The fertilized treatments received 500 pounds per acre of 16-20-0
commercial fertilizer at planting.
4. The optimum soil-moisture treatment received sufficient sprinkler
irrigation to permit optimum germination in the specific soil material.
5. The insufficient soil-moisture treatment received 50% as much sprinkler
irrigation as did the optimum irrigation treatment.
6. Field data were presented in U.S. Common Units because this system of
measurement was most easily understood on the Navajo Indian Reservation
where the research was conducted.
33
-------
TABLE 13
Average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield,
and green forage moisture content for seven plant species grown on unmined soil without fertilizer and
with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
w Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Seeds
germinated
in 10 ft2
(no.)
218
212
276
214
26
479
93
Seedlings
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
188
207
142
123
23
252
76
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
510
413
627
260
69
383
86
Plant
height
(inch)
12
11
5
7
12
8
6
Green
forage
yield
(Ib./acre)
3632
3496
839
360
204
1223
1160
Green
forage
moisture
C%)
71
70
45
37
61
51
55
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
5. The forage was harvested on 10-4-77.
-------
TABLE 14
Average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield,
and green forage moisture content for seven plant species grown on unmined soil with fertilizer and with
natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
CO
en
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheat grass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Seeds
germinated
in 10 ft2
(no.)
171
221
345
263
21
619
86
Seedlings
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
166
216
204
163
10
372
70
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
610
728
1361
654
65
829
70
Plant
height
(inch)
12
11
5
9
12
8
12
Green
forage
yield
(Ib./acre)
4858
5176
875
1211
192
1774
1875
Green
forage
moisture
(%)
70
72
33
46
50
35
55
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture,
5. The forage was harvested on 10-4-77.
-------
TABLE 15
Average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield,
and green forage moisture content for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil without fertilizer and
with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
oo
Ol
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Seeds
germinated
in 10 ft2
(no.)
96
291
312
153
7
227
52
Seedlings
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
91
286
196
119
3
148
48
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
248
350
594
171
6
173
51
Plant
height
(inch)
11
6
4
6
5
4
6
Green
forage
yield
(Ib./acre)
3768
2588
1007
240
48
456
1913
Green
forage
moisture
C%)
86
86
52
42
64
40
55
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
5. The forage was harvested on 10-4-77.
-------
TABLE 16
Average germination, seedling establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield,
and green forage moisture content for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil with fertilizer and
with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Seeds
germinated
in 10 ft2
(no.)
116
286
506
295
12
304
68
Seedlings
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
Ill
281
796
163
7
154
61
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
558
466
1346
442
15
430
61
Plant
height
(inch)
11
7
5
6
7
5
7
Green
forage
yield
(Ib./acre)
5403
4358
1151
1187
96
1055
2117
Green
forage
moisture
f ft, \
I 'o 1
85
84
39
41
45
34
55
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
5. The forage was harvested on 10-4-77.
-------
TABLE 17
Average plant establishment, number of stems produce, plant height, green forage yield, dry forage
yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown on unmined soil without fertilizer and with
natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Plants
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
144
115
198
117
19
319
75
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
289
169
1243
560
501
1600
75
Plant
height
( inch)
8
10
9
10
12
10
7
Green
forage
yield
(Ib/acre)
3044
2661
3165
1271
1391
10597
4507
Dry
forage yield
(12% moisture)
(Ib/acre)
1093
925
1604
539
632
2707
1532
Ground
cover
f tL.~\
L " J
55
53
56
51
25
88
36
Comments
1. The perennial plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
-------
TABLE 18
Average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield, dry forage
yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown on unmined soil with fertilizer and with
natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Plants
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
158
139
131
81
21
343
41
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
555
457
1392
1536
623
2741
41
Plant
height
(inch)
16
13
15
13
16
10
12
Green
forage
yield
(Ib/acre)
14265
8631
8511
10717
2709
9902
9374
Dry
forage yield
(12% moisture)
(Ib/acre)
4881
2925
3613
4066
1263
2843
3594
Ground
cover
f Q,"\
1 "O J
90
85
85
85
28
94
70
Comments
1. The perennial plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
-------
TABLE 19
Average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield, dry forage
yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil without fertilizer and with
natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta, Arizona in 1978.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Plants
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
57
79
227
94
19
134
19
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
398
159
2726
517
123
268
19
Plant
height
(inch)
10
8
10
9
9
7
13
Green
forage
yield
(Ib/acre)
2781
1601
2656
1966
767
3759
11124
Dry
forage yield
(12% moisture)
(Ib/acre)
1064
614
1371
710
422
1199
4450
Ground
cover
(%)
20
17
43
36
5
29
55
Comments
1. The perennial plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
-------
TABLE 20
Average plant establishment, number of stems produced, plant height, green forage yield, dry
forage yield, and ground cover for seven plant species grown on coal mine soil with fertilizer
and with natural rainfall plus sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1978.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Plants
established
in 10 ft2
(no.)
140
79
266
144
29
164
23
Stems
produced
in 10 ft2
(no.)
702
269
3856
2118
386
790
23
Plant
height
(inch)
14
12
14
15
12
11
15
Green
forage
yield
(Ib/acre)
6070
4094
7864
5706
1055
5111
13570
Dry
forage yield
(12% moisture)
(Ib/acre)
2623
1554
3371
2445
515
1563
5569
Ground
cover
(%)
50
43
87
93
9
91
89
Comments
1, The perennial plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested planting rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4 replications.
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed for soil moisture.
-------
TABLE 21
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein for seven
plant species grown on unmined soil, without fertilizer, and with
natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine,
Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
IVDMD
69.2
60.0
69.8
68.5
56.4
71.7
57.1
Crude protein
9.4
8.1
16.3
10.6
13.1
15.6
10.0
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested plant-
ing rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4
replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed
for soil moisture.
42
-------
TABLE 22
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein for seven
plant species grown on unmined soil, with fertilizer, and with natural
rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
IVDMD
70.8
65.5
74.3
71.5
66.3
71.7
64.9
Crude protein
10.6
10.1
20.9
14.3
13.7
14.1
15.6
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested plant-
ing rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4
replications„
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were
applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed
for soil moisture.
43
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TABLE 23
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein for seven
plant species grown on coal mine soil, without fertilizer, and with
natural rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine,
Kayenta, Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
IVDMD
68.9
59.1
70.0
66.1
72.0
77.6
62.9
Crude protein
16.9
12.5
26.3
19.4
21.3
22.5
18.8
Comments
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested plant-
ing rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4
replications.
3. No fertilizer was used.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed
for soil moisture.
44
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TABLE 24
In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and crude protein for seven
plant species grown on coal mine soil, with fertilizer, and with natural
rainfall and sprinkler irrigation on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, Kayenta,
Arizona in 1977.
Plant species
Harlan II Barley
Super X Wheat
Crested Wheatgrass
Western Wheatgrass
Indian Ricegrass
Vernal Alfalfa
Fourwing Saltbush
Comments
IVDMD
72.1
65.3
75.2
73.3
68.9
81.9
69.7
Crude protein
15.6
1308
23.8
18.1
20.0
23.8
20.0
1. The plant species were planted on 5-25-77 at the suggested plant
ing rate.
2. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with 4
replications.
3. Five hundred (500) pounds per acre of 16-20-0 fertilizer were
applied at planting.
4. Irrigation was applied to insure that plants were never stressed
for soil moisture.
45
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/7-79-258
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
5. REPORT DATE
Reclamation and Water Relations of Strip Mine Spoils In
Northern Arizona (1976 - 1978)
December 1979 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
^.AUTHOR(S) ft> D> Day
T. C. Tucker
.1. I Thamp<:
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO
CR-7
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721
INE 623
SEA/CR No. 684-15-1
1?. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final July 1976 to Dec. 1978
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA 7600/12
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
This project is part of the EPA-planned and coordinated Federal Interagency
Energy/Environmental R&D Program.
16. ABSTRACT
The objectives and approach of this research project were: (1) to evaluate the proper-
ties of coal mine soil, (2) to study the germination of selected plant species in coal
min soil in the greenhouse, (3) to study the growth of selected plant species in coal
mine soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine, and (4) to study the livestock feed value of
forage from selected plant species grown in coal mine soil. The nitrogen and potassium
contents were higher in coal mine soil than they were in unmined soil; however, coal
mine soil contained less phosphorus than did unmined soil. Average germination percent-
ages for seven plant species grown in coal mine soil in the greenhouse were similar to
germination percentages for the same species grown in Gila foam soil. Seven plant spe-
cies produced satisfactory germination, seedling establishment, ground cover,and for-
age production in unmined soil and coal mine soil on the Black Mesa Coal Mine when each
soil material was supplied with optimum soil moisture and fertilizer. The general live-
stock feed value of forage from seven plant species grown in coal mine soil was similar
to the feed value of forage from the same species grown in unmined soil.
7.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
Coal Mines
Surface Mines
Reclamation
Extraction
Spoil
Soils
Plants (botany)
Black Mesa, Arizona, ger-
mination, minesoil, fer-
tilizer, greenhouse,
plant species, livestock
feed value, forage,
irrigation
68D
8. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
58
20. SECURITY QLASS (Thispage)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
a US GOVEIMUENI WmTIIIG OFFICE 1MO .657-146/5638
46
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