Effects of Mulch on Seedlings and Soil on a Closed Landfill

Abstract

Landfills are ideal locations for short-rotation forestry, tree-based bioremediation, and wildlife habitat reconstruction. However, tree survival is reduced by harsh growing conditions and poor soil quality. This study was designed to determine survival of tree seedlings and test effects of different mulch types and depths on edaphic properties and herb emergence on a closed Ohio landfill. In spring 2002, five species of hardwood tree seedlings (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Prunus serotina, Quercus macrocarpa, and Populus sp.) were planted in a clustered fashion on 35 plots. Each plot received a mulch treatment consisting of one type of mulch (hardwood, leaf, or mixed) at a specific depth (5 or 15 cm) or was designated as a nonmulched control. The status of each seedling and edaphic qualities (soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients) were recorded for two growing seasons. Aboveground herbaceous biomass was sampled at the end of each growing season. We found that survival and growth were species dependent. At the conclusion of the experiment, Fraxinus had the highest survival rate (70%) and Prunus the lowest (7%). The use of leaf mulch (15 cm deep) increased organic matter and various edaphic properties (cation exchange capacity, P, Mg) after the second growing season. Mulch treatments did not significantly affect aboveground herbaceous biomass when compared to nonmulched controls. These results suggest Fraxinus as a good candidate for landfill plantings. Additionally, leaves and yard waste are plentiful and could quickly enrich poor soils on a landfill if left to decompose aboveground.

Short-term effects of overstory reduction and slash mulching on ground vegetation in a Mediterranean Aleppo pine woodland

“…We put this down to the fact that slash mulching may well result in changes to soil properties that encourage above-ground biomass development. For example, higher soil humidity, greater provision of nutrients and smaller fluctuations in temperature at ground level have already been described in several studies (O'Connell et al 2004;Athy et al 2006;Fang et al 2007). In fact, in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment these abiotic factors are of crucial importance to the development of vegetation (Valladares 2004).…”

Effects of different mulch types on soil moisture content in potted shrubs

“…The main advantage of mulching is organic and nutrient supply (Głąb and Kulig, 2008). For example, an addition of a layer of 15 cm of leaf mulch can increase organic matter as well as phosphorus, magnesium and cation exchange capacity in the soil (Athy et al, 2006). The organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus content of soils can be increased with the addition of mulch (Gaur and Mukherjee, 1980).…”

Quantitative Behaviour of Guar (<i>Cymopsis tetragnolobus</i> L.) to Various Tillage Systems and Mulches and Soil Physical Properties

“…Mulches protect soil from drying and baking effect that leads to less evaporation and optimum soil temperature. [2] reported that mulches increase soil fertility and microbial activity of the soil by adding valuable amount of organic carbon. In addition, mulches also decrease the fluctuations of temperature soil by providing coverage to the soil that helps to reduce evaporation from soil surface.…”