Field experiments were established in western Kentucky on four types of surface-mined coal spoils. These areas were selected to represent the extremes in spoil materials commonly encountered in reclamation. This report presents evidence that mine spoils may be successfully reclaimed when proper levels of fertility have been restored. With the provision for retaining rainfall on the spoils, yields of mixed legume-fescue forage exceed 4 metric tons per hectare (2 T/acre). These yields are equal to or greater than those of adjacent non-mined land. The advantage of a rough surface created by ripping or subsoiling was obtained at all levels of applied phosphorus. It was found that phosphorus and water are more commonly the limiting factors in obtaining an adequate degree of vegetative cover and associated forage yield than the acidic nature of spoils. However, in acidic spoils lime must be incorporated in order to effectively improve the growing conditions.

"CSRS-1." Includes bibliographical references (pages 55-56).