THE EARLY PERFORMANCE OF DECIDUOUS TREES GROWN IN ACIDIC MINESPOIL AMELIORATED WITH PULVERIZED FUEL ASH

A field trial investigated the early performance of six tree species p lanted into an acidic minespoil ameliorated by ploughing or incorporat ion of 10 per cent by weight of pulverized fuel ash (PFA). Common alde r, Italian alder and silver birch produced the greatest total shoot ex tensions for PFA-ameliorated minespoil. Rowan, sycamore and aspen were unsatisfactory for both ameliorative treatments. PFA increased the pH of the minespoil for a period of time potentially beneficial for the establishment of the tree species. For the rate of PFA application stu died, general salinity effects and cold-water-soluble boron both prese nted problems for successful tree growth.