Influence of cultivated grasses and legumes on the establishment success of native grass mixtures at two abandoned coal mines in the subalpine region of Alberta

Field experiments on land disturbances in the subalpine region of Alberta have indicated that, with a great majority of the native grass species tested, plant cover development necessary for rapid erosion control is generally slower than with the cultivated varieties. The objective of the present study is to define seed mixtures that will produce erosion-controlling cover and ultimately evolve into mature native plant communities. Identical trials were established on both raw overburden and overburden topdressed with mineral soil on two abandoned subalpine coal mines to assess the influence of cultivated grasses and legumes on the establishment and performance of native grass mixtures. This report covers assessment results after the second growing season. Parameters discussed include percent plant cover, and a general assessment of species frequency.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe