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  DOI Prefix   10.20431


 

International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture
Volume 3, Issue 4, 2017, Page No: 20-26
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-9487.0304004

Short-Term Landscape Restoration through Optimal Management of Stockpiled Topsoil on Plant Diversity and Growth of Tree Species

Abugre S1,J.Gyamfi2,M.Kumako3

1.Department of Forest Science, School of Natural Resources, UENR, Sunyani, Ghana.
2.Formerly of Faculty of Forest Resources Technology, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
3.African Plantations for Sustainable Development, Kwame Danso, Ghana.

Citation :Abugre S,J.Gyamfi,M.Kumako, Short-Term Landscape Restoration through Optimal Management of Stockpiled Topsoil on Plant Diversity and Growth of Tree Species International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture 2017,3(4) : 20-26

Abstract

Landscape restoration is a key component of a mining operation. The aim of the research is to find out if top soil depth and age of tree species could influence plant diversity and growth of selected tree species. Plots were laid using factorial in Completely Randomized Design. The factors that were considered for the experiment were topsoil depth and age of tree species. The results showed an increased plant diversity in all plots with top soil compared to the no topsoil. Within the topsoil treatments depth of 40/60 cm (T0) and 30/70 cm (T3) provided the best results in terms of plant diversity and growth of tree species. It was observed that plant diversity decreased with age which could be attributed to canopy closure. Effective number of species (ENS) generally declined with increase in age of tree species. Results also showed tree height and diameter was highest in 40/60 cm (T0) but did not differ from 30/70 cm (T3). As the years increased tree height of species also increased. Where there is a deficit in topsoil for reclamation, depth of 30/70 cm could be used for reclamation as it can enhance plant diversity and growth of tree species.


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