Revegetation and Management of Tailings Sand Slopes: 1977 Results

Resource Type
Authors
Michael Rowell
Resource Date:
1978
Page Length
126

The tailings sand slope that was seeded in July, 1976, was considered completely stable in 1977. No wind or water erosion or movement of soil particulates was detected in 1977. Of the fourteen species seeded in 1976, only Lupine and the oat cover crop did not grow in 1977. A comparison of fall seeding versus spring seeding indicated that fall seeding could be successfully used but that poor distribution of seed resulted from seed wash-off during snow melt in the spring. The yield of above ground vegetation was related to the amount of fertilizer added rather than to the use of peat or overburden soil amendments. The yield of plant roots was less affected by fertilization although the uptake of nitrogen and potassium was increased. Incorporation of peat or peat and overburden to a depth of 30 cm rather than 15 cm resulted in deeper root penetration and an overall increase in root yield. Long term management studies were continued on a six year old vegetated area of the tailings dike.