Evaluation of Coal Mine Spoil as a Medium for Plant Growth in a Dry Tropical Environment, India

Abstract

An age series of coal mine spoils (5, 10, 12,16 and 20 yr) of Jhingurda colliery, Northern Coalfields Ltd., Singrauli were evaluated as a medium for plant growth. Thirteen plant species were seeded in mine spoil alone of five different ages, mine spoil of five different ages+NPK; and mine spoil of five different ages+forest soil. Shoot growth of seeded plant species was measured. The experiment showed that mine spoils were non-toxic and suitable, although sub-optimal medium, for plant growth. Growth performance was better in NPK treatment compared to as in addition of forest soil to mine spoils due to impoverished nature of forest soil. Effect of application of NPK was greater in grass compared to leguminous trees and forbs, generally. With increase in the age of mine spoil there was less effect of NPK addition on shoot growth due to increase in nutrient content with the age of mine spoil.