Influence of interplanted species on N and P resorption efficiencies of companion species was studied in mixed plantations of various species combinations raised for revegetation of coal mine spoil.

Mine spoils are sub-soil material produced as a byproduct of mining activity. Virtually being a sub-soil material, mine spoils are physically, nutritionally and microbiologically impoverished habitats, thwarting the establishment and growth of plants species.

Mine spoils consist of overburdened dumps of haphazardly, mixed consolidated and unconsolidated material. Mine spoils are nutritionally and microbiologically impoverished habitats. Natural restoration of mine spoil is a slow process. Afforestation of mine spoils with fast growing tree species accelerates the revegetation process and fulfils the restoration goal.

Mining is generally followed by a revegetation programme carried by the Forest Department. In such programmes, often exotic plant species are also used along with native tree species. Since the last one and half decades an exotic tree species, Prosopis juliflora has gained tremendous popularity among forest officials due to its easy establishment, low mortality rate and fast growth rate on mine spoil, compared to other woody species.