Geomorphic reclamation creates variable topography and surface architecture, including rolling hillslopes and drainages. In contrast, traditional methods of reclamation result in landscapes susceptible to erosion due to steep, linear gradients. Geomorphic approaches to surface mine reclamation are relatively new, and hypotheses suggest the use of geomorphic principles in reclamation will improve vegetation outcomes relative to traditional methods. Topographic variability created by geomorphic reclamation likely results in more environmental heterogeneity, which should correlate with greater plant diversity. We examined revegetation outcomes of traditional and geomorphic reclamation on two reclaimed surface mines in Wyoming using nadir image sampling. Functional group diversity and measures of cover were compared between reclamation methods and undisturbed rangeland. Geomorphic reclamation supported greater total richness and greater native functional group richness relative to traditional reclamation. Native species cover on geomorphic reclamation, particularly for native perennial grasses, was either similar to undisturbed rangeland or greater than undisturbed rangeland and traditional reclamation. Reclamation shrub cover differed significantly from undisturbed sites, but was greater in geomorphic treatments. Results of nadir image analysis are compared to line-point intercept data from the same locations and outcomes are discussed in light of different reclamation techniques and sampling methods. Significant differences in cover categories were observed between nadir image and line-point intercept methods, however both methods revealed similar patterns between study sites.

地貌开垦创造了变化的地形和地表结构，包括起伏的山坡和排水系统。相比之下，传统的开垦方法会导致景观因陡峭的线性梯度而容易受到侵蚀。地表开垦的地貌方法相对较新，并且假设表明在复垦中使用地貌原理将相对于传统方法改善植被成果。地貌开垦产生的地形变异性可能导致更多的环境异质性，这应与更大的植物多样性相关。我们使用最低点图像采样技术在怀俄明州的两个回收露天矿山上检查了传统和地貌开垦的植被恢复结果。比较了开垦方法和未受干扰的牧场之间的功能组多样性和覆盖措施。与传统的填海方式相比，地貌填海技术支持更大的总丰富度和更大的本地功能组丰富度。地貌开垦中覆盖的本地物种，特别是本地多年生草，与未受干扰的牧场相似，或大于未受干扰的牧场和传统的垦殖。开垦灌木的覆盖率与未受干扰的地点有显着差异，但在地貌处理中则更大。将最低点图像分析的结果与来自相同位置的线点截距数据进行比较，并根据不同的回收技术和采样方法讨论结果。