A note on the root development in dry tropical naturally revegetated coalmine spoils

Root biomass distribution on an age series of naturally revegetated coalmine spoils in a dry tropical environment is described. 65 to 85% of the total root biomass was observed in the upper 0–15 cm of spoil depth. Highest (724 g m^-2) and lowest (186 g m^-2) values of root biomass were found on 12-yr old protected flat surfaces and 5-yr old grazed undulating sites, respectively. There is an increase in root biomass with increase in age of coalmine spoil.