Findings from the application of coal combustion by-products (CCB) for forest reclamation on spoil banks of the North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin

Coal combustion by-products (stabilizate, FDG gypsum) generated by the thermal power station in Ledvice were tested on an above-level dump of the Bílina Mine in the North Bohemian Brown Coal Basin during the reclamation of its surface for forestry purposes. A part of the experimental object was treated with coal combustion by-products at a dose of 700-1,000 t/ha that were incorporated into the soil profile by very deep ploughing and the other part was left untreated for comparison. A one-year preparatory agrocycle was conducted on the entire experimental object - growing of Leucosinapis alba for green manuring and for reforestation bareroot and container-grown planting material was set out into dug holes [Larix deciduas L., Pinus nigra Arn., Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer platanoides L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Fraxinus excelsior L., Tilia cordata Mill., Betula verrucosa Ehrh.]. The assessment of the experimental object at the age of 7 years indicated that as a result of the application of stabilizate and FDG gypsum there was an increase in porosity, water-retaining capacity, soil alkalinity and carbonate content; the soil-forming process was characterized by a decrease in soil alkalinity whereas the high alkalinity of the soil horizon treated with this amendment did not negatively influence the growth vitality of most tree species taxa used for reforestation.