Browsing by Author "Tafi, Tara Christine"

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Reclamation effectiveness at three reclaimed abandoned mine sites in Jefferson County, Montana
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2006) Tafi, Tara Christine; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Dennis Neuman.
Montana has an estimated 6000 abandoned mine sites, many with associated waste rock and tailings materials contributing to the release of high levels of acidity, heavy metals, and other contaminants, creating a risk to human health and the environment. Many abandoned mine sites in Montana have been reclaimed, however, little post-reclamation monitoring has been performed, and the effectiveness of reclamation has not been quantified. The goal of this project was to quantify the effectiveness of reclamation at three sites in Jefferson County, Montana based on soil suitability for sustaining plant growth. Vegetation and soil studies were executed using a stratified random sampling design. Vegetation measurements included canopy cover using Daubenmire cover classes, above ground biomass, and species richness/diversity. Co-located soil samples were excavated in increments to a depth of 60 cm, and determinations of pH, electrical conductivity, nutrients, soluble, and total metal levels were made. Canopy cover estimates ranged from 0-120% and biomass production estimates ranged from 0-4583 kg ha-1.