Abstract. In 1996, a multidisciplinary group of researchers at the University of Kentucky initiated a study on the Starfire surface mine in eastern Kentucky to evaluate the effects of soil compaction and two organic amendments on the survivability and growth of high value tree species. Three types of prepared rooting medium were examined: compacted spoil, lightly compacted spoil, and uncompacted spoil. The compacted spoil was prepared using normally accepted spoil handling techniques that resulted in a smooth graded surface. The lightly compacted spoil was loose-dumped and struck-off with one or two passes of a bulldozer. The uncompacted spoil was loose-dumped and not further disturbed. In addition, organic amendments (mulches) were evaluated within the three reclamation techniques. The organic amendments used were processed hardwood bark mulch and a combination of straw and horse manure mulch. The following six species of trees were planted: white oak (Quercus alba), white ash (Fraxinus americana), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black walnut (Juglans nigra), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Five of the six species, the exception being white ash, showed increased survivability as compaction was minimized. Additionally, the loose-graded techniques led to enhanced growth in height for the seedlings. The addition of organic amendments also showed additional benefit but results varied by species and by treatment. Results definitively show that strike-off and loose-dump techniques improve seedling height and survival. The data also suggest that even a small amount of traffic (i.e., one or two passes per the strike-off method) may result in enough compaction to significantly reduce survival and growth in some species, such as yellow poplar and white pine. In the backfilling and grading process, spoil material should be placed and compacted according to standard engineering practices so that the required stability and approximate original contour is achieved. However, the top 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) of material should not be graded or only lightly graded so that it is as uncompacted as possible.

Reforestation research on mined lands has shown that loosely graded topsoil, weathered sandstone and/or other non-toxic topsoil substitutes are suitable growing media for establishing native forests in Appalachia. Reclamation practitioners however, have expressed confusion as to what constitutes the best available material other than topsoil. Six research plots were established on a surface mine for the purpose of evaluating the influence of three different loosegraded spoil types on tree performance. The three spoil types are: (1) predominately brown weathered sandstone; (2) predominately gray un-weathered sandstone; and (3) mixed weathered and un-weathered sandstones, and shale material (mine-run spoil). The total area of each plot is approximately 4,050 square meters (one acre). Four species of tree seedlings were planted into the spoils. Growth and survival of the planted trees were evaluated for two years. As an indicator of natural succession potential, percent ground cover of volunteer vegetation on the three spoil types was also evaluated. Preliminary observations indicated that by the second year (2006) after planting, the gray plots had an overall higher average survival (96%) than the mixed (84.5%) and brown plots (83%). The brown sandstone plots however, showed significantly more growth in height and diameter than the gray and mixed plots. Ground cover from natural regeneration was found to be 42.3 percent on the brown plots (40 different species), 2.6 percent on the mixed plots (21 different species), and less than 1 percent on the gray plots (6 different species).

Abstract. To return surface mined areas in eastern Kentucky to productive forests, the compaction of mine spoil must be minimized or ameliorated. Four methods to reduce compaction on reclaimed surface mines were compared at the Bent Mountain research site in Pike County, Kentucky. The methods included: single shank ripped spoil, triple shank ripped spoil, excavated spoil, and rough graded spoil. Normally graded spoil was also examined as a control to represent a traditional reclamation practice. A single shank ripper was used in gently sloping areas to a depth of ≈ 2-m, while the triple shank ripper was used primarily on level spoil to a depth of ≈ 1.5-m. Both rippers were pulled with a D-11 dozer. Excavated spoil was created by digging out compacted spoil to a depth of ≈ 1-m and dropping it in place. The end dump or rough graded spoil was created by dumping mixed sandstones and shale spoil from a dump truck to a depth of 2 to 2.5-m followed by minimal grading (single pass) with a D-9 dozer to strike-off the piles. All sites were planted with native hardwood species in 2004. Three plots measuring 50 x 50-m were established within each spoil treatment. All trees within the research plots were tagged and have been examined each year for survival and growth characteristics. Bulk density was also measured annually using a nuclear density probe. Preliminary results show several statistically significant differences in tree height and survival. Survival for white oak (Quercus alba) was significantly higher for all reclamation methods compared to the control, and end dump was significantly higher than excavated. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) height was significantly greater for all reclamation methods compared to the control, and single shank ripped was significantly higher than all methods. For black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) height and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) survival all methods except excavated were significantly greater than the control.

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Previous research has demonstrated that excessive compaction of reclaimed surface mined land is a major deterrent to successful reforestation. The five step Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) was developed, in part, to address this problem. In particular, the FRA emphasizes the need for creating a suitable rooting medium that is at least four feet deep and free of compaction. However, most of the prior reforestation research has been conducted on land that was flat or gently rolling. Some concern has been expressed about applying the FRA to steep-slope mines, such as those found throughout the Appalachian region. A field study was conducted at ICG's Peel Poplar Mine in eastern Kentucky to evaluate the applicability of the FRA to steep-slope mining. The evaluation was based upon operational efficiency, economics, slope stability, and reforestation potential. Specifically, a 4.7 acres area was reclaimed with a combination of loaders, trucks, and dozers. Final grading was completed using single pass of a CAT-D11 dozer. Slope movement was monitored periodically by surveying 70 steel rebars. Soil bulk density, penetration resistance, and tree survival were also measured. As the project nears its end, the slope has not exhibited any appreciable instability and the FRA appears to have been effective in reclaiming the land to a forested condition.