Growth of five species of trees on experimental plots on sand tailings left after mining for rutile in Sierra Leone

Data comprise measured heights of five species of trees after 2.5 years growth between June 2007 and November 2009 in plots reclaimed using a variety of planting techniques and surface applications following mining for rutile in Lanti South, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Eight 25 by 25 metres plots were divided into four squares and four rectangles and planted in June 2007. The five tree species included Gmelina (Gmelina arborea), mango (Mangifera indica), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), citrus (Citrus sinensis) and monkey apple (Anisophyllea laurina). Five rows of trees were planted at a spacing of 5 meters in each direction to minimize above and below ground competition. Four planting treatments were tested: 1 bucket of compost per planting hole, 1 bucket of topsoil, 1 bucket of a 50:50 mix of compost and topsoil and a control. Surface treatments included 2 cm of compost, 5 cm of mulch, 2 cm of top-soil and a control.