Natural vegetation succession and sustainable reclamation

Abstract

Natural vegetation successional forces can be used to enhance reclamation of drastically disturbed sites. This paper presents a concept for land reclamation which is based on the use of successional processes. Identification of the factors which are precluding vegetation growth or which are limiting the establishment of additional species is the first step in the formulation of a sustainable reclamation program. Solutions for overcoming these growth limiting factors are sought from those which would occur under natural circumstances. These are then utilized in the reclamation program. Successional reclamation programs can revegetate sites which otherwise defy revegetation attempts. Examples are drawn from reclamation programs conducted by the author in western Canada.