New Mexico Locust (Robinia neomexicana) Establishment on Mining Overburden

Mining presents challenges in revegetation efforts, particularly on exposed overburden. New Mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana Gray) has long been considered a good candidate for mine reclamation in the Southwestern United States, although little published data exists. Scarified New Mexico locust seeds were hydroseeded onto mining overburden screened to < 15 cm (6 in). Emergence was evaluated during the latter part of one field season using a blocked, split-plot design with the whole-plot factor of three mulch treatments (0, 1,121, or 2,242 kg/ha [0, 1,001, or 2,002 lb/ac]) and the split-plot factor of three composted, biosolid treatments (0.0, 112.5, or 225.0 Mg/ha [0.0, 50.2, or 100.4 ton/ac]). No differences were evident in emergence among mulch and biosolid treatment combinations. A higher number of emergents were observed in locations shaded by rocks than in open areas, and a higher percentage of seedlings that emerged from the protected areas were observed to survive than those that emerged in open areas. Future studies are required to confirm whether rock cover is beneficial to seed emergence and survival whereas organic amendments, incorporated or surface applied, had no effect at the rates applied.

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Author(s): Anne M. Wagner, April Ulery, Dawn M. VanLeeuwen, John G. Mexal, John Harrington, Jon Hawthorne

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 58, Number 2 (2015)

Volume: 58

Number: 2