Overburden (OB) is the by-product of mining activity. The OB dumps are majorly stabilized by plantation. We have used species identified by the forestry department of the state and by IUCN. We have observed that despite using the species mentioned above, the growth of plantation is not very encouraging. To mitigate this problem, we are looking for a solution that will address the problem.
Overburden (OB) is the by-product of mining activity. It is dumped around the mining area in the form of a heap with a predetermined slope of 350 max as permitted by Indian Bureau of Mines. If the OB dumps are not adequately stabilized and maintained, they can pose a safety risk. The composition of the soil of OB dumps consists of Silica, Alumina and small quantities of Phosphorus and Iron. The mining area has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers. The temperature in this region varies from 47.5 C in summer to 5 C in winter. Rainfall in this area is moderate. It ranges from 950 mm to 2500 mm averaging to 1500 mm per annum.
The OB dumps are majorly stabilized by plantation. Plantations also play an important role in biological reclamation through modification of soil characteristic. We have used species identified by the forestry department of the state and by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). These saplings are namely Sal (Shorea robusta), Mahaneem (Melia Azedarach), Karanja (Millettia pinnata), Shishu (Dalbergia sissoo), neem (Azadirachta indica), Krishnachuda (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), Radhachuda (Peltophorum pterocarpum), Chatian (Alstonia scholaris), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) etc.
We have observed that despite using the species mentioned above, the growth of plantation is not very encouraging. Around 20-30 % of saplings do not survive after 8-9 months of planting them, or their growth is stalled after growing from few inches to 1-2 feet. We, therefore, have to perform re-plantation every year to replenish the saplings which did not survive. To mitigate this problem, we are looking for solutions that will address either/all of the points mentioned in the requirements section below.
Options Tried
Requirements
If the solution provided is for monitoring and suggestions on corrective actions: