PAPER-MILL SLUDGE AMENDMENTS, TREE PROTECTION, AND TREE ESTABLISHMENTON AN ABANDONED COAL MINESOIL

We measured survival, growth, and foliar nutrition of white ash (Fraxi nus americana L.), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L,), and black waln ut (Juglans nigra L.) on a regraded minesoil (Typic Udorthent, pH 2.9) treated with four combinations of papermill sludge depth by incorpora tion methods. We also compared tree performance when protected from ma mmal damage by tube, netting, or no shelters. Sludge rates were approx imately 860 Mg ha(-1) for a 15-cm depth and 3450 Mg ha(-1) for a 60-cm depth. After 4 yr, tree survival was 65% when either 15 or 60 cm of s ludge was deep incorporated by a backhoe. Survival was 43% if 15 cm of sludge was rototill incorporated and 3% if 45 em of sludge was surfac e applied over the rototiller-incorporated sludge (60 cm total sludge depth). Trees were tallest (236 cm) on 15 cm-backhoed, intermediate (2 04 cm) on 60 cm backhoed, and shortest (130 cm) on 15 cm rotilled trea tments. Ash (56% survival) survived better than sycamore (40%) and wal nut (36%), Tree survival was best (61%) in tubes, intermediate (43%) i n nets, and worst (28%) with no protection, Ash and walnut were talles t (177 cm) in tubes, intermediate (124 cm) in nets, and shortest (103 cm) with no protection. Sycamore height (305 cm) was not affected by t he shelters. Foliar nutrition of trees was adequate except for possibl e tow P in ash. In summary, tree survival and growth were good if slud ge was incorporated by backhoeing and trees were protected by tube she lters.