Thesis (M.Sc.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2005. / Bibliography: leaves 55-62.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Forestry. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Ecology and Biodiversity / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Ecology and Biodiversity / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

No description available.

Climate change has exacerbated environmental degradation processes, causing an imbalance in the natural concentrations in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This has resulted in a myriad of socio–economic effects which have focused global attention on methodologies to reduce these effects, such as carbon sequestration. To achieve long term sustainability and success, community involvement in the technical and social aspects of carbon sequestration projects is necessary and must be acknowledged. One such mitigation methodology which incorporates the ideals of community proactive participation is carbon sink reforestation projects. This study is based on a community perspective of a carbon sink reforestation project, carried out in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study provides a holistic perspective of the concept of carbon sequestration drawing together technical aspects of carbon sequestration reforestation projects and the inclusion of the role of communities. The methodology comprised of questionnaires with industry experts and a local community, following a thematic data analysis. The current perception from industry is that the South African government lacks significant technology, capacity and finance to effectively manage national forest carbon sequestration regimes. Project participants expressed the view that these types of projects provided a sense of belonging and hope and articulated their gratitude for the environmental knowledge they gained from the project experience. Technical and social aspects of such projects such as carbon calculations and participatory rural appraisal techniques enhance a country’s ability for successful implementation of such projects. Findings reveal a need for technology, capacity building and finance; and the effects participation in these projects has on individuals. This is followed by recommendations and a ‘How To Guide’ developed by the researcher. This guide intends to enhance the collaboration of the technical aspects and involvement of communities throughout the project implementation process. Carbon regimes in this century will continue to grow in size and complexity. Stakeholder participation will be a strong factor in the success or failure of carbon sequestration reforestation projects. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The establishment of intensively managed woody energy crops on reclaimed surface mine lands provides an opportunity to diversify domestic biomass sources, while increasing the productivity and economic value of underutilized land. Our objective is to test the effect of fertilization and irrigation on the growth, survival, biomass accumulation, biomass allocation, leaf area, and nutrient dynamics of American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) planted on a reclaimed surface mine. In 2008, replicated plantings of sycamore and black locust were established on the Big Elk mine in eastern Kentucky. Treatments tested include annual granular fertilizer applications of 37 kg N, 30 kg P, and 16 kg K ha-1, irrigation, irrigation + fertilization, and control. Following two growing seasons, American sycamore exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) greater height, diameter, leaf area, and stem biomass in fertilizer treatment compared to all other species and treatment combinations. Treatments had no affect on survival, but American sycamore exhibited significantly higher survival than black locust. Poor locust survival and growth were likely attributed to excessive ungulate browsing. Our findings indicate that fertilizer applications at young plantations on reclaimed mines in Appalachia increases tree height, diameter, and biomass accumulation.

At the Bent Mountain surface mine, Pike County, Kentucky, a study has been ongoing since 2005 to assess the influence of various types of loose-graded mine spoils on water quality and forest establishment. Six research plots consist of two replicates of brown weathered sandstone, gray unweathered sandstone, and mixed brown sandstone, gray sandstone, and shale that were emplaced according to Forestry Reclamation Approach criteria. A series of analyses was initiated in 2007 to examine influence of spoil matrix composition on sulfate and carbonate geochemistry of infiltrated waters, as well as to investigate the occurrence of Phytophthora, a group of exotic forest pathogens that cause dieback and may affect success of founder species of hybrid American Chestnut (Castanea dentata Marsh.) Borkh.)), on the surface of mine spoils and in infiltrated waters. To identify the constituent responsible for elevated sulfate concentrations, as well as determine the role of alkalinity in spoil waters, PHREEQC geochemical modeling was used to analyze aqueous speciation of sulfates and carbonates with respect to time and tailing media. Variance of δ34S values was analyzed to determine source of sulfate minerals. Oxidation of minor amounts of pyritic coal enriched the δ34S value in the brown plots. Overall, plots had acceptable water quality parameters, substantiating various types of mine spoils for the FRA, although brown proved best for tree establishment. Methods were employed to determine whether Phytophthora were present in the surface of mine spoils and in infiltrated waters of 2005 plots as well as 2007 plots to determine if a chronosequential effect occurred. P. cryptogea was detected from surface spoil and from waters infiltrating brown sandstone plots. The brown spoil, relative to other spoil types, has greater soil moisture, greater nutrient availability, and lower pH, which may promote the occurrence and survival of the microorganism. The occurrence of the pathogen in the 2005 plots versus 2007 plots is notable; greater ground cover from colonizing species may be a precursor to Phytophthora detection on the plots. P. cryptogea is a possible threat to American chestnut, however, high infiltration rates in loose-dumped mine spoils should reduce damage by the pathogen. Over time, the relation between water quality parameters (as influenced by spoil matrix composition), tree success, and presence of Phytophthora, is of interest as certain hydrogeochemical parameters may cause stress on trees that may increase susceptibility of plants to disease caused by Phytophthora. Alternatively, certain water geochemical parameters may directly affect Phytophthora by promoting or inhibiting survival and transport of the pathogen in spoil and infiltrated spoil waters; this too has consequences for tree establishment on loose-dumped mine spoils.

Surface coal mining in Appalachia has contributed to a suite of ecological impacts, both terrestrial and aquatic. Conventional reclamation in Appalachia leads to the development of hay/pasture systems dominated by nonnative grasses and legumes, with soils that are chemically and physically unfavorable to native tree growth. Several studies have shown that more weathered minespoils provide a better growth medium than unweathered spoils in Appalachia. Spoil segregation plots were constructed on Bent Mountain in Pike County, KY, to compare the suitability of three mine spoil types (BROWN weathered sandstone, GRAY unweathered sandstone, and MIXED sandstones and shales). In 2013 (after nine growing seasons) volume of planted trees was 50x higher on BROWN than on GRAY. In addition, natural colonization of unplanted groundcover and tree species was much more extensive on BROWN than GRAY or MIXED. Most water chemical parameters were similar across spoil types; however, water chemistry on all plots appears to have stabilized after nine growing seasons. Finally, rapidly developing forest on BROWN appears to be influencing water budgeting on the site, leading to lower discharge during summer months. These results indicate that BROWN weathered spoils provide a better growth medium than GRAY unweathered spoils for native trees.