| Abstract: | Abstract Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) was grown on four different overburdens from the potential lignite mining area of Louisiana. A pot study was conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the fertility status of the overburdens for future recommendations of fertilizers and soil amendments during the revegetation of the reconstructed soil. Fertilizer at the rate of 0, 1/2>x, 1x, 2x and 4x the soil test recommended rate of N, P and K for common bermudagrass were applied to the materials. Lime was applied to the Cow Bayou formation material to raise the pH to 6.5. Bermudagrass forage was harvested every six weeks over a 24 week period to evaluate dry matter yield and mineral composition. Yield and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were significantly (α = 1%) affected by increasing rates Df fertilizer in all overburden materials except P uptake in the Cow Bayou material. In general, yield and nutrient uptake increased with each addition of fertilizer. Total yield was not significantly (α = 1%) different when the recommended rate of N, P and K fertilizer was applied in all overburdens. However, total yield was highest in the Prairie Terrace and Dolet Hills overburdens when 4x this rate was applied. Nutrient concentration was not significantly affected by fertilizer application except for N in the Naborton material, Ca in Prairie Terrace and Naborton, S in Dolet Hills and Zn in Prairie Terrace and Naborton (α = 5%). |
