Growth Performances and Mycorrhizae of Native and Exotic Hardwoods on Bituminous Stripmine Spoils

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1979-11

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Abstract

Growth parameters and mycorrhizal characteristics were compared for 10 hardwood species that naturally invade bituminous stripmine spoil and 4 exotic hardwoods that are commonly planted on reclaimed stripmine spoils in western Pennsylvania. Sassafras albidum, Acer rubrum, Populus tremuloides, Crataegus spp., and Robinia pseudoacacia grew better on bituminous spoils than on non-spoil sites. Invaders with the best total growth performances on stripmine spoils were Aralia spinosa, Rhus glabra, Populus tremuloides, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Acer rubrum. These 5 natural invaders, which are not usually planted on stripmine spoil, exceeded selected growth characteristics of 4 exotic species commonly planted on bituminous stripmine spoil. All species had mycorrhizae under all conditions studied, but type or percent of mycorrhizae were not related to success as a pioneer species on stripmine spoil.

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Author Institution: Department of Biology, Slippery Rock State College

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The Ohio Journal of Science. v79, n6 (November, 1979), 274-279