[USCC] Using Compost for Mine Reclamation

[Tim Evans]

Regarding the quantity of compost, it depends on the analysis of your
compost.  A good rule of thumb is that you want to create a soil with at
least 2000 kgN/ha (2000 lb/ac) - that's total Kjeldahl N.  This should
release about 100 kgN/ha per year of plant-available N, which will be enough
to sustain plant growth at a level that cycles nutrients back to the soil
through leaf fall.  Note: 2000 lb/ac TKN is the minimum.

You don't want to have a discrete layer of compost on top of mineral matter
(which will become your subsoil) because then the plants will just root into
the compost and will suffer drought or wind-blow.  The mineral layer needs
to be loosened, when it is dry, before the compost goes on and then it needs
to be ripped again after the compost is applied so that there is a
transition layer between the rich 'topsoil' and the impoverished mineral
layer.  The minimum rooting depth for grass is about 1 foot, shrubs 1'6" and
trees 3'.

It is also important that you sort out drainage.  Some plantings have failed
because plants drowned.  If the topography requires it you might have to
install land drains.
 

regards

Tim

Dr Tim Evans
TIM EVANS ENVIRONMENT
Stonecroft, Park Lane, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1EU England
tel/fax +44 (0) 1372 272 172 mobile +44 (0) 7816 833 991
tim at timevansenvironment.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Perry Lindquist [mailto:plindquist at waukeshacounty.gov] 
Sent: 11 December 2006 23:41
To: compost at composter.com
Subject: [USCC] Using Compost for Mine Reclamation

I am currently planning to use yard waste compost to reclaim a gravel
pit.  I was wondering if anyone else had done this before and had some
tips on things like:

1. Thickness/depth of compost to apply.
2. Subsoil application recommendations (for root zone water holding).
3. Application process (for non-screened compost).
4. Possible mixing with submaterials (sand & gravel).
5. Seeding recommendations for Wisconsin climate (cover crop and
final).
6. Erosion control measures during stabilization (need for mulch,
erosion netting or polymer).
7. Application to the bottom of a storm water infiltration basin that
is seasonally wet. 
8.  Any other recommendations.

Any advice would be appreciated.  I have 20 years experience in erosion
control, but this is a new thing for me.

Perry Lindquist
Manager, Land Resources Division
Waukesha County Dept. of Parks & Land Use
1320 Pewaukee Road - Room 260
Waukesha, WI   53188
Phone:  262-548-7867
FAX: 262-896-8298
e-mail: plindquist at waukeshacounty.gov
web: www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks


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