Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Information on the effectiveness of beneficial management practices (BMPs) such as multispecies cover cropsmixtures, cluster planting, and improved genetics of native tree species as novel biomaterials for facilitatingafforestation or reforestation practices is lacking. This study will be the first to combine the above BMPs, andin the process provides a basis for quantifying the value of these practices for facilitating soil building, erosioncontrol, and weed management in coal mine reclamation. First, we will test the efficacy of perennial nativegrasses, a nitrogen-fixing annual species and perennial native forbs for low input weed control. Second, we willtest a novel planting approach (i.e., cluster planting) that leaves a clustered distribution of trees that moreclosely mimics historical distributions, while also accelerating the onset of natural processes such asintraspecific competition among trees and providing habitat for later successional understory plant species.Third, we will use improved genetics of native aspen to speed canopy cover development and facilitate soilbuilding and carbon sequestration over the long term. This study will implement those BMPs in two minedland reclamation sites (SunHills and Genesee) operated by TransAlta Corp. and Capital Power within theParkland region of Alberta. The extensive nature of sampling proposed in this study will allow for one of themost extensive accounting of the benefits of these BMPs for facilitating re-vegetation efforts in landreclamation. We expect to contribute critically needed new knowledge to developing best managementpractices for improving soil nutrition and nutrient cycling, erosion mitigation and weed management inmine-affected landscapes.