Development of Mine Soils in a Chronosequence of Forestry-Reclaimed Sites in Eastern Kentucky

Surface mining for coal has contributed to widespread deforestation and soil loss in regions around the world, particularly Appalachia, USA. Mined land reforestation is of interest this other where forests are dominant pre-mining use. This study evaluated mine development on surface-mined sites reforested according Forestry Reclamation Approach, representing a chronosequence time ranging from 0 19 years after reclamation. Soils were sampled depth increments 50 cm analyzed suite physical chemical characteristics. Overall, fines (silt + clay) tended increase over since reclamation (17% silt at year increasing 35% 11; 3.2% clay 5.7% 14) while concentrations metals (e.g., Al, Mg, Mn, Na) demonstrated varied relationships with Concentrations organic carbon (OC) (0.9% OC 2.3% 14), most enriched near-surface soils. Some characteristics Na, OC, Ca) patterns similarity forest control, others distinct control throughout clay, gravel). Future surveys these soils will elucidate longer-term development, better characterize scales which might be expected approximate conditions.