Aspen Regeneration

This project presents trembling aspen tree, plant community, and soil analyses based mainly on field data collected in the summer of 2013-2015 at CNRL – Horizon RA1, WA2, and NTB reclamation areas.  It includes results from both greenhouse and field studies with recommendations (where appropriate) to improve reclamation practices to optimize natural aspen seedling establishment potential. This project asks the following questions: 1)  What are the impacts of soil type and compaction on aspen seedling germination and establishment? 2) How does drought stress impact aspen seedling survival after the initial establishment phase? 3) What are the site conditions influencing aspen seedling establishment under field conditions? 4) What is the longer-term growth and survival potential of seedling-origin aspen? 5) Plant community development on reclamation sites and natural forests. 6) Reclamation treatments to promote natural plant community development (WA2).

Using peat-mineral mix soil and increasing surface roughness offer a starting point for developing best management practices for facilitating natural deciduous tree seedling establishment in this region; Spatial point patterns can be used in tracking and interpreting plant community dynamics in reclaimed mine disturbed sites; Trembling aspen foliar nutrient concentrations are not a consistently reliable indicator of total soil and soil solution nutrients in reclaimed or natural ecosystems.