The effect of organic mulch amendments on the physical and chemical properties and revegetation success of a saline-sodic minespoil from central Queensland, Australia
A. H. Grigg A C , G. J. Sheridan A B , A. B. Pearce A and D. R. Mulligan AA Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.
B Present address: School of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, PO Box 137, Heidelburg, Vic. 3084, Australia.
C Corresponding author, present address: Alcoa World Alumina Australia, PO Box 172, Pinjarra, WA 6208, Australia. Email: andrew.grigg@alcoa.com.au
Australian Journal of Soil Research 44(2) 97-105 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR05047
Submitted: 12 April 2005 Accepted: 9 January 2006 Published: 27 March 2006
Abstract
Saline-sodic clay minespoil materials excavated during open-cut coal mining in central Queensland, Australia, pose significant challenges for revegetation, particularly where suitable topsoil capping is not available. We examined the ability of sawdust or straw mulch amendments to ameliorate the adverse properties of these minespoils and improve the success of revegetation efforts. In laboratory studies, mulch application improved infiltration, increased soil moisture retention and reduced surface crust strength. In the field, mulches incorporated to a depth of 0.15 m at application rates of at least 20 t/ha straw or 80 t/ha sawdust were needed to mitigate against capillary rise of salts during drying cycles and support satisfactory vegetation cover. Further research is needed to determine whether improvements are maintained beyond the 4-year trial period reported here.
Additional keywords: reclamation, overburden, crust formation, straw, sawdust, gypsum.
Acknowledgments
This work was funded by BHP Australia Coal Pty Ltd, now BMA Coal, under their SRP Program. The support of Peter Isles and Peter Roe from BHPAC at the time is gratefully acknowledged. The initiating and supervisory support (to AP) provided by Prof Clive Bell is similarly acknowledged. The authors would like to recognise the early input into this research by Dr Bernie Kirsch, and the logistical support of environmental officers at Goonyella Riverside mine. Fiona Bartier, David Bowen, Brad Howell, and Maria McMaster assisted with assessments and sample collection in the field trial.
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