The influence of soil factors on the growth of a grass/clover sward on a restored opencast site in Northumberland, UK

Abstract

The growth of grass and clover components in mixed swards on a site restored after opencast coal mining and an undisturbed control site were compared. Soil nitrogen supply was reduced at the restored site. This inhibited grass growth but was beneficial for the clover component.Growth at the restored site was also inhibited by a compacted subsoil, which reduced available soil water content and impeded access to available soil water. This inhibited crop production from the middle ofthe second silage crop onwards. In 1989 this was associated with the soil at the restored site reaching permanent wilting point at 40cm. In 1990 this effect was associated with the restored site soil reaching permanent wilting point at 70cm. These drought effects reduced clover growing point population and stolon mass. Grass tiller populations were unaffected.