Page 310 - Advances In Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining

286 Advances in Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining

species will be capable of transforming atmospheric nitrogen to plant available forms
(i.e., atmospheric nitrogen fixation). Generally, 500–600 crop trees per acre
(1236–1483 per hectare) distributed among 4–6 or more species; and 50–100 nurse
trees per acre (124–247 per hectare), also of several species, should be planted [66]
(Table 14.3). Preparing the reforestation site using FRA Steps 1, 2, and 3 will enable
a wide range of tree species to survive and grow on reclaimed surface coal mine lands
[67], and will enable invasion by additional unplanted species that may enter the rec-
lamation area as live seed carried by wind and wildlife. Current recommendations are
to plant only native tree species [68].

FRA Step 5: Use proper tree-planting techniques.
Proper tree-planting techniques are described and illustrated by Davis et al. [68a].
Essential to successful tree planting is to prepare a planting hole of adequate size
for a seedling’s root system. If FRA Steps 1 and 2 have been used to prepare a loose
mine soil, it will be easier for tree planters to open a hole sufficient to plant trees
properly.
It is not feasible under current economic conditions to re-establish the full forest
community by seeding and planting. Hence, the FRA seeks to establish forests of spe-
cies that are prominent in native species, including those that are slow to disperse
across landscapes naturally; to establish soil conditions that are favorable to those
trees and to native vegetation and to natural successional processes; and to rely on
successional processes for a more complete plant community [69]. Methods for
re-establishing native plant communities, including forest trees, on mine sites in other
world regions rely on similar approaches [38,40,46,70–72].
Re-establishment of essential soil properties and processes is necessary for forest
restoration, and planted trees can act as catalysts in natural succession. The FRA is
intent on establishing site conditions suitable for survival and growth of planted trees
while also enabling colonization by native vegetation whose seeds are carried by
fauna and wind (Table 14.4).

14.3.7.4 Wildlife habitat
Postmining wildlife habitat is rehabilitated similar to forestry reclamation sites, but
with integration of water resources. Since woody vegetation is a primary component
of wildlife habitat, FRA techniques are often applied. Use of salvaged soils, including
roots, stumps, and organic debris, for mine-soil construction is advised when restoring
wildlife habitat. In addition to the advantages described here for forest reclamation,
these materials can provide habitat for ground-dwelling insects and other animals.
Such materials are generally not available on mine soils constructed from rock spoils.
As when establishing forest as a postmining land use, a mix of crop trees and wildlife
trees can be established. When establishing wildlife habitat, however, the planting mix
would include more wildlife-favored trees and shrubs, and more species that will sup-
ply shelter as well as sources of food [68]. For example, dogwood, redbud, and species
like hawthorn, apple, and cherry might be planted for wildlife food; while crop trees
that produce seed that is edible by wildlife, including (but not limited to) oaks,