Evaluation of Direct Seeding of Tree Species as a Means of Revegetation of Coal Mine Spoils

Abstract

The feasibility of direct seeding of tree species as a means of revegetating the flat (l.5 ha) and slopy areas (8 ha) of coal mine spoils was tested at Jayant Project, Northern Coal Fields Ltd., Singrauli. Direct seeding of tree species for 3-4 years with seeding of grasses and leguminous forbs is a potentially suitable technique for quick stabilization of flat and slopy areas of coal mine spoils. This technique is also beneficial in increasing the rate of recruitment of naturally colonizing plant species on mine spoils, which will ultimately restore the biodiversity and soil fertility of mine spoils, and will check the soil erosion from mine spoils.