Vegetation development and native species on reclaimed coal mine lands, Edson, AB: directions for reclamation planning
Date
2011
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Abstract
This study evaluates the reclamation vegetation at Coal Valley Mine (CVM) in Alberta with respect to a series of expected vegetation changes, establishes a successional model of the vegetation development, and examines factors contributing to the observed patterns. Recommendations are developed that will improve convergence of reclamation effort with established reclamation goals. Current reclamation practices in Alberta are often based on the assumption that native species will naturally colonize recently reclaimed areas over the medium to long term. Agronomic grass species are the ground cover of choice, due to their fast, aggressive growth fulfilling short-term reclamation goals of erosion control. There is research indicating that these two goals may be incompatible, and that the use of these agronomic species inhibits the establishment and diversity of native species. CVM's reclamation reports for the last 25 years were used to establish a study area stratified by year of reclamation. The vegetation in these areas was assessed and was analyzed with respect to a series of expected vegetation changes over time. Results indicate that most of the expected trends are evident (lower graminoid height and cover. lower legume cover, higher native species richness. and establishment of woody species). Four vegetation communities were found, ranging from a young legume-grass type to a mature conifer-dominated type. A number of anomalies were highlighted, and the cause of the increase in native species diversity and cover with time was deemed uncertain due to the role played by CVM's planting program in the early years of reclamation. involving deciduous seedlings and herbaceous plants. The research highlights the need for the establishment of a monitoring program to inform future reclamation activities. A monitoring program can be used to determine the impact of various reclamation practices. and to confirm the successional patterns encountered.
Description
Bibliography: p. 61-65
Some pages are in colour.
Includes an oversized page.
Some pages are in colour.
Includes an oversized page.
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Citation
Longman, P. A. (2011). Vegetation development and native species on reclaimed coal mine lands, Edson, AB: directions for reclamation planning (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4261