Coal Mine Spoils and Their Revegetation Patterns in Central Alberta

The study involved an examination of the vegetation and spoils on five mine locations in the central Parkland of Alberta.  These five locations represented different spoil types, and methods of mining.  Within these spoil locations 44 sites were selected which represented spoil and vegetation conditions at different ages and topographic positions.

Some of the most important conclusions were:

1. The vegetative productivity of mine spoils in Central Alberta can be restored even given only a minimum of reclamation inputs.
2. The composition of the surface material is the most important factor affecting the reclamation of  spoils.  This factor can be manipulated by mining techniques.
3. The addition of topsoil to the spoil surface is not an absolute requirement to successful reclamation.  However, topsoiling probably significantly reduces the time period required for reclamation.
4. Under conditions of natural plant invasion there are distinct successional stages leading to the eventual production of plant communities resembling those occurring in the original aspen parkland. However, these stages may be slowed or halted by adverse spoil conditions or overgrazing.