Since passage of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation (SMCRA) Act in 1977 a large portion of mined-lands have been reclaimed to grasslands or scrublands. These land-cover types provide little economic benefit to the post-mining landowner and represent a discontinuity in the ecological function of these regions. Afforestation of these grasslands could provide many benefits including carbon sequestration, improved habitat and ecosystem health, and commercial timber production. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the cumulative potential for carbon sequestration on Appalachian post-SMCRA mined-lands, reclaimed to grasslands, if returned to forests. Soil and site characteristics that effect reforestation potential and carbon sequestration were measured on mine sites across the Appalachian coal fields. Results from this study will be presented.
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See more of The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)