Effects of Tree Species on Soil Development and Humus Composition in Minesoils

Abstract

Abstract. Morris Run, Pennsylvania minesoils were evaluated to determine the effects of tree species on soil development and humus composition. Thirty-six sampling points were established in 50 to 69-year-old white pine (Pinus strobus) and red pine (P. resinosa) plantations and areas where volunteer black cherry (Prunus serotina) was the dominant species. Morphological, physical, and chemical properties were observed in minesoil profiles. There were significant differences in development of litter layers, soil color, horizon development and thickness, organic matter (OM) accumulation and composition, pH, and conductivity. Development of the Al horizon was the same under all overstory types, but there were three times as many A2 horizons developed under white pine and red pine than under black cherry. More OM accumulated in the A horizon under white pine, and the B horizon of black cherry minesoil had higher OM content than either of the pine soils. More humic acid occurred under white pine but more fulvic acid developed under black cherry. Overall,. the A horizon of the minesoil was more acid and contained more soluble salt than the B horizon. These data show the development of the Morris Run minesoils has been influenced by overstory species.

Influences of Humic and Fulvic Acids and Organic Matter on Leachate Chemistry from Acid Coal Spoil

“…To investigate the effects of humic and fulvic acids, 1.6 kg lots of Lily spoil were carefully mixed with 8 g of FA or HA (5 g/kg or 0.5%) and then passed through a soil splitter 25 times to ensure an even mix. The FA and HA were extracted from a Pennsylvania revegetated mine soil (Gentry et al 1993) and purified by the method of Schnitzer (1982). Control spoils received no organic acids.…”