Evaluating shredded rubber tires and sewer sludge as surface mine spoil amendments

ABSTRACT

Shredded rubber tires and composted sewer sludge were evaluated and compared as spoil amendments on an abandoned mine site in western Kentucky. Percent ground cover was measured in early spring and early summer of the third year to determine treatment effects. Significant treatment effects did not appear until the summer measurement, and the combination of rubber tire mulch and incorporated sewer sludge was found to be the most effective in promoting site revegetation. There was a significant decline in percent live grass ground cover as the growing season progressed, indicating that early season measurements may not be adequate for estimating revegetation effectiveness.