Reclamation research in the alpine region near Grande Cache, Alberta

• Main Authors: Macyk, Terry M., Albush, Vern, Terry, O.
• Other Authors: British Columbia Mine Reclamation Symposium, University of British Columbia. Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 1998
• Subjects: Smoky River; Poa alpina
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/10528

In 1992 the Alberta Research Council initiated a reclamation study at the Smoky River Coal Limited No. 12 Mine South area located northwest of Grande Cache, Alberta. The objective of the research is to assess the potential for revegetation of land affected by surface coal mining in this alpine area. Two plot areas approximately 300 m apart were established on a south-west facing slope to evaluate the suitability of two different "soil materials". These included "coversoil" or the indigenous soil material and "rock spoil" material. A total of 18 plots were established at each of the two locations to evaluate the suitability of Highlander slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum), alpine bluegrass (Poa alpina), broadglumed wheatgrass (Agropyron violaceum), and sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) for revegetation in this area. Plot seeding was completed in September, 1992 and selected plots were fertilized with the equivalent of 125 kg/ha of 35-15-0 in June 1993. Automated climate monitoring stations were installed at the two plot areas to measure air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. From 1993 to 1997 the frost-free period ranged from 16 to 68 days, and growing season precipitation from 250 mm to 502 mm. Plant cover is less dense at the rock spoil plots because of the higher coarse fragment content and smaller number of potential germination sites. The overall mean percent cover at the coversoil plots in 1997 was 89% compared to 74% for the adjacent undisturbed area. The overall mean at the rock spoil plots was 78% compared to 56% for the adjacent undisturbed area. Invasion or encroachment of native species from the surrounding undisturbed area has been documented since plot establishment. The coversoil and rock spoil materials both offer attributes that enhance the potential for reclamation success. The low level of fertilizer applied after seeding improved initial vegetation establishment, however it appears that no additional fertilizer application will be required. On the basis of the five years of results to date it is evident that these disturbed alpine areas can be successfully reclaimed by combining the use of available native seed and the process of indigenous species invasion or encroachment. Non UBC Unreviewed Other