Rehabilitation after bauxite mining in south-western australia

Nichols, O.G.; Carbon, BA; Colquhoun, Ian J.; Croton, James T.; Murray, Nicholas J.

doi:10.1016/0304-3924(85)90071-1

Cited by 42 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The cemented laterite, and the 1-4 m of loam beneath, is rich in aluminium oxides (bauxite) or iron oxides. Kaolinitic clay lies at a depth of 10-20 m, beneath which is granite or dolerite bedrock (Nichols et al 1985).…”

Section: Site Location and Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The mining process requires the complete removal of vegetation (jarrah is harvested for timber), followed by the removal of topsoil (0-10 cm), which is either 'stock piled' for periods of up to 3 years, or 'direct returned' (Nichols et al 1985). Overburden (up to a depth of 1 m) is removed, and the bauxite extracted (depth ~5 m).…”

Section: Site Location and Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Litter cover as an index of nitrogen availability in rehabilitated mine sites

Todd¹,

Grierson²,

Adams³

2000

Soil Res.

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The spatial heterogeneity of litter cover and bioavailability of nitrogen within a 9-year-old rehabilitated bauxite mine in south Western Australia was examined. Three replicate plots (6 m by 6 m) were each divided into 100 quadrats. Litter cover, vegetation distribution, and projected foliage cover were mapped, and litter (overstorey leaves, understorey leaves, and other assorted fractions) and soil (depth: 0–5, 5–10, and 10–30 cm) were sampled from within each quadrat. Litter distribution reflected projected foliage cover, and accumulated within microtopographic depressions. Distribution of soil nitrate (NO3–) reflected the distribution of litter. The 15N natural abundance (d15N) values of soil (0–5 cm) and the understorey litter fraction were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.529, P < 0.05), whereas carbon isotope composition (d13C) of soil (0–5 cm) was significantly correlated with the distribution of the assorted litter fraction (R2 = 0.296, P < 0.05). It is concluded that site preparation practices that effect microtopography, such as contour ripping and revegetation along contours, will have a significant impact on nitrogen (N) distribution and bioavailability within rehabilitated mine sites.

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Section: Site Location and Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Site Location and Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Litter cover as an index of nitrogen availability in rehabilitated mine sites

Todd¹,

Grierson²,

Adams³

2000

Soil Res.

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“…The seed and fertiliser mixes applied to the trial areas are described in the methods section. Nichols et al (1985) and Ward et al (1993) describe the rehabilitation procedures more fully.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil development on rehabilitated bauxite mines in south-west Australia

Ward¹

2000

Soil Res.

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Rehabilitation after bauxite mining in the jarrah forest aims to re-establish a self-sustaining forest. This implies that ecosystem processes will be re-established and soil nutrient stores will be similar to those of the unmined forest. This study determined the baseline levels of a number of soil properties in areas of jarrah forest typically cleared and mined for bauxite, and the effect of mining and rehabilitation processes on the vertical distribution of soil nitrogen. In addition, the changes in soil nitrogen, extractable phosphorus, extractable potassium, and pH that occurred up to 8.5 years after rehabilitation were investigated. The values of the soil properties in unmined forest found in this study were similar to those previously measured in the jarrah forest. Values of all parameters varied significantly with depth. Considerable mixing of soil horizons occurred when the topsoil was stripped, placed on an area undergoing rehabilitation, and ripped. Many soil parameters showed significant changes in the period 3.5–8.5 years after rehabilitation. Levels of total nitrogen in the top 10 cm of soil in rehabilitated areas increased from around 0.04–0.05% initially to levels approaching those found in good-quality jarrah forest (0.10–0.30%) after 8.5 years. Soil pH declined in the surface layer after rehabilitation. The rate of acidification is likely to decrease in future years. The levels of the soil chemical parameters were mostly within or moving towards the range of values found in areas typically mined for bauxite. The results indicate that ecosystem processes have been re-established on the rehabilitated areas and that there is no obvious soil chemical impediment to the establishment of a self-sustaining forest ecosystem on rehabilitated bauxite mines.

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“…Approximately 450 hectares of forest are cleared, mined and rehabilitated each year at Alcoa's three operating mines. A detailed account of the mining and rehabilitation process is given elsewhere (Nichols et al 1985, Ward et al 1993.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%