EFFECTS OF SOIL PROPERTIES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BLACK LOCUST (ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA) IN A RECLAMATION AREA

Abstract

In this research, we investigated nine black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plantations in a reclamation area of an opencast coal mine in Shuozhou, Shanxi, China. One hundred individuals of black locust in each of plantations were randomly selected, and variables related to growth and nutritional status were recorded. In addition, soil physiochemical and biological properties were analyzed. Results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the growth variables and leaf nutrient concentrations of black locust and soil properties among the nine plantations. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), Field moisture capacity, soil water content, number of fungi, urease activity and bulk density were the main soil influencing factors. During the multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis, soil water content, bulk density, soil fungi and catalase affected the highest values of diameter at breast height (DBH) and top height (H) of black locust, and soil alkaline phosphatase affected crown diameter (CD). There was no significant relationship between death rate (DR) and soil properties. Among the factors, soil water content, soil bulk density and soil fungi had important effects on performance of black locust. Therefore, attention must be paid to the soil water content of black locust plantations in the reclamation area and ensure that each individual plant can absorb necessary water. At the same time, suitable soil bulk density and fungal inoculation may promote black locust's growth. The results will contribute to the cultivation and management of black locust.