A field investigation into the effectiveness of reclamation equipment alternatives in reducing subsoil compaction

Abstract

Excessive soil compaction resulting from reclamation activities has become a major problem for the surface mining industry when reclaiming land for agricultural use. Currently, most soil is removed and replaced by scrapers which create several severely compacted zones in the reconstructed soil column. Several surface mine operators in the Interior Basin are experimenting with various methods of either preventing or ameliorating this condition. A field study was undertaken to evaluate three subsoil reconstruction practices. The first method considered was scraper replacement of the subsoil. This is the most common practice and served as a basis of comparison for equipment alternatives. The second method considered was truck-shovel removal and replacement of subsoil. Finally, deep tillage of scraper-replaced material was also considered. Soil sampling and dry bulk density determinations were conducted on sites treated with the three methods mentioned above. The results not only confirmed earlier work which reported very high dry bulk densities for scraper-replaced material but also provided insight into the practical applications of truck-shovel combinations and deep tillage equipment in dealing with the problem of soil compaction.