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Evaluation of the land reclamation project at the As Pontes Mine (NW Spain) in relation to the suitability of the soil for plant growth
Author(s) -
Monterroso C.,
Macías F.,
Gil Bueno A.,
Val Caballero C.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-145x(199809/10)9:5<441::aid-ldr299>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - land reclamation , limiting , topsoil , waterlogging (archaeology) , environmental science , plant growth , soil water , surface mining , mining engineering , compaction , environmental engineering , geology , waste management , engineering , geotechnical engineering , soil science , geography , archaeology , wetland , coal mining , agronomy , mechanical engineering , coal , biology , ecology
The reclamation and monitoring methodologies implemented at the mining waste dump at the As Pontes Lignite Mine in Galicia (NW Spain) are briefly described. In addition the factors affecting achievement of reclamation objectives and an evaluation of the factors limiting plant growth on the constructed soils are outlined. The most serious limitations were found in the oldest mine soils constructed from sulphide‐bearing spoils; high acidity, toxicity, nutrient deficiency, seasonal waterlogging due to their impermeability, and compaction. The youngest soils were constructed using sulphide‐free spoils as topsoil substitutes and had fewer limitations for plant development. The results show that proper handling of spoils, and paying special attention to selective placement of sulphide bearing materials, are the most important factors in providing a suitable medium for plant growth. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.