The study's purpose is to assess the nutrient self-sufficiency of five-year-old reclaimed areas in montane and subalpine environments. Adjacent, undisturbed native grasslands were also studied for
comparative purposes.
Paired plots were established on the four community types and shoot, root, detritus and soil levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were monitored over the course of a year. Organic matter distribution among shoot, root and detritus compartments are presented from August, 1976 to June, 1977. Shoot, root, detritus and soil levels of nutrients in August and October, 1976 are also presented.
Shoot, root and detritus levels were highest on the montane native grassland with the subalpine native area following. While the reclaimed areas were occasionally higher in shoot mass, root and detritus levels were far below those on the native areas. Root mass was higher on the montane than in the subalpine reclaimed area.
Higher nutrient levels in most compartments were found in the native areas indicating greater nutrient accumulation and storage, though exchange rates have not been calculated yet. Though the overburden materials on the reclaimed areas are poor in some nutrients the reclaimed areas contain more nitrogen and phosphorus than has been added artificially. This indicates that at least some overburden shales and coal contain significant levels of these nutrients.