
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Todd, M. C. L. 
A1  - Grierson, P. F. 
A1  - Adams, M. A. 
T1  - Litter cover as an index of nitrogen availability in rehabilitated mine sites
JF  - Soil Research
JO  - Soil Res.
Y1  - 2000
VL  - 38
IS  - 2
SP  - 423
EP  - 434
KW  - soil nitrate, spatial heterogeneity, d15N, d13C.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/SR99046 
N2  - The spatial heterogeneity of litter cover and bioavailability of nitrogen within a 9-year-old rehabilitated bauxite mine in south Western Australia was examined. Three replicate plots (6 m by 6 m) were each divided into 100 quadrats. Litter cover, vegetation distribution, and projected foliage cover were mapped, and litter (overstorey leaves, understorey leaves, and other assorted fractions) and soil (depth: 0&#8211;5, 5&#8211;10, and 10&#8211;30 cm) were sampled from within each quadrat. Litter distribution reflected projected foliage cover, and accumulated within microtopographic depressions. Distribution of soil nitrate (NO3&#8211;) reflected the distribution of litter. The 15N natural abundance (d15N) values of soil (0&#8211;5 cm) and the understorey litter fraction were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.529, P &#60; 0.05), whereas carbon isotope composition (d13C) of soil (0&#8211;5 cm) was significantly correlated with the distribution of the assorted litter fraction (R2 = 0.296, P &#60; 0.05). It is concluded that site preparation practices that effect microtopography, such as contour ripping and revegetation along contours, will have a significant impact on nitrogen (N) distribution and bioavailability within rehabilitated mine sites. 
ER  -

