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Growth of Rillscale on Bentonite Mine Spoil as Influenced by Amendments¹

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of spoil amendments on growth of the dominant invader of bentonite mine spoil, Atriplex suckleyi (Torrey) Rydb. an annual, commonly known as rillscale. Application of amendments in the fall had a greater positive effect on growth of rillscale than application of amendments in the spring. Amendment with sawdust, alone or in combination with other amendments, increased growth of rillscale through at least two growing seasons. Amendments of gypsum and inorganic fertilizer alone had little effect on plant growth, but the highest production of rillscale (3500 kg/ha) was achieved on spoil that had been treated in the fall with a combination of gypsum, sawdust (with N), and fertilizer (N, P, and K) amendments. High production capabilities and degree of response to spoil treatment support the hypothesis that rillscale could be useful for early revegetation of bentonite mine spoil.

Key Words: Reclamation • Revegetation • Atriplex suckleyi (Torrey) Rydb. • Sawdust • Gypsum

¹ Research was conducted by USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Exp. Stn., Rapid City, SD 57701; and Dep. of Range Sci., Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523.

² Voorhees is soil scientist and Uresk is research biologist, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Exp. Stn. Trlica is professor, Dep. of Range Sci., Colorado State Univ.

Received for publication August 19, 1986.