Use of bark and combined paper sludge for the revegetation of bark-covered land

Abstract

This study investigated the use of bark and combined paper sludge to develop a suitable plant growth substrate and to establish a vegetation cover on bark-covered land. Field experiments were established to determine the best plant growth medium, plant mixtures, and fertilization program. The best soil cover consisted of 2.5 cm of combined paper sludge on top of 2.5 cm of black bark. On this soil cover, the Savoureux mixture in combination with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), Lab02 in mixture with MR77, and birdsfoot trefoil in mixture with bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) gave good vegetation growth and yields. For birdsfoot trefoil over all soil covers, the phosphorus and potassium fertilizations were required at 140 kg P2O5/ha and 160 kg K2O/ha, respectively. These results suggest that combined paper sludge and black bark can be used as topsoil to favor plant establishment on bark-covered land. Key words: topsoil, paper sludge, bark, birdsfoot trefoil, bromegrass, fertilization, NO3–-N, phosphorus.