MINESOIL AND SITE PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY HEIGHT GROWTH OF EASTERN WHITE-PINE

A study was established to investigate soil and site variables associa ted with early growth of eastern a white pine (Pinus strobus L.) on re claimed strip mines in southern West Virginia and Virginia, A total of 78 plantations were studied on 14 different mines, 5 to 9 yr followin g planting, Two-gear terminal height growth at ages 4 and 5 was select ed as the growth variable in a multiple linear regression equation dev eloped to show the relationship between tree growth and soil and site variables, Many soil/site variables were tested, but rooting depth, el ectrical conductivity, surface soil P and Mn, and slope were the domin ant independent variables, accounting for 48% of the variability in gr owth, Soil depth had a standardized regression coefficient of 0.35, an d was the most significant variable, Through proper reclamation, it is possible to establish a site that will not only provide for adequate early height growth to facilitate bond release, but also pro,ide for f uture long-term productivity of surface-mined lands.