Vegetation Status, Nutritional Characteristics and Biological Activity of Manganese Mine overburden Spoils in Relation to Age

The dependent changes in species composition, nutrient status and biological activity of manganese mine overburden spoils of Ukwa, Balaghat District of Madhya Pradesh in relation to age have been assessed. The results indicate that the number of species increased as a function of the age of the overburdens. A good number of leguminous species was observed in different sites which is an indication of gradual improvement of the fertility status ofthe spoil. As the overburden got invaded by vegetation with time organic carbon and nitrogen went up with a peak in natural forest area. Available P and available K also increased significantly with the increase of the age spoils. The population of all the organisms (bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) increased sharply with the increase of the age of the overburden. A highly significant positive correlation was obtained between the number of plant species and organic carbon of the spoils. Significant positive correlation was also obtained between the number of organisms and organic carbon, total and available nitrogen, available P and available K.