Abstract
To investigate the effects of coal mining on soil physical properties, sandy lands with three major vegetation types (Salix psammophila, Populus simonii, and Artemisia ordosica) were investigated by the ring knife method and double-ring infiltrometer. Specifically, variations in soil bulk density and water infiltration rate and the influences of coal mining and vegetation type on the properties during different subsidence stages were studied at the Shendong Bulianta mine. The results showed that, in the period before mining, soil bulk density occurred in the order A. ordosica > P. simonii > S. psammophila, with a negative correlation between the initial infiltration rate and steady infiltration rate being observed. In the period during mining and 3 months after mining, there were no significant differences in soil bulk density and water infiltration rate among vegetation types. At 1 year after mining, the soil bulk density occurred in the order A. ordosica > S. psammophila > P. simonii, having a negative correlation with the steady infiltration rate. The water infiltration depths of the S. psammophila, P. simonii and A. ordosica were 50, 60, and 30 cm, respectively. The infiltration characters were simulated by the Kostiakov equations, and the simulated and experimental results were consistent. Linear regression revealed that vegetation types and soil bulk density had significant effects on soil initial infiltration rate during the four study periods, and the infiltration rate of the period 1 year after mining was mainly influenced by the soil bulk density of the period before mining. The results indicated that vegetation types had significant effects on soil bulk density, and that the tree–shrub–grass mode was better than one single plantation for water conversation and vegetation recovery in sandy land subjected to mining.
Highlights
Shendong mining area is located in the transition zone of the Loess Plateau and the Mu Us Sand land, where the ecological environment is fragile
The results of the present study indicate that planting P. simonii and S. psammophila could improve soil porosity and reduce soil bulk density
During mining and 3 months after mining the surface soil bulk density there were changes in the presence of different vegetation types, with increases being observed in S. psammophila and P. simonii areas, and decreases in A. ordosica plots
Summary
Shendong mining area is located in the transition zone of the Loess Plateau and the Mu Us Sand land, where the ecological environment is fragile. It is covered by hilly sand and loose soil, and the developments of the vertical joints are rich. Based on analysis of parameter changes of moisture characteristic curves and penetration coefficient curves caused by changes in soil structure as a result of mining, as well as the adverse effects on the local environment caused by changes in the vadose zone, it can be concluded that ground fissures and surface subsidence have a large impact on soil water migration. Based on analysis of parameter changes of moisture characteristic curves and penetration coefficient curves caused by changes in soil structure as a result of mining, as well as the adverse effects on the local environment caused by changes in the vadose zone, it can be concluded that ground fissures and surface subsidence have a large impact on soil water migration. Wang et al (2006) found that soil porosity increased and bulk density decreased because of coal mining subsidence, which led to high soil water losses in the dry season. Zang et al (2012) studied the effects of coal mining subsidence on lateral seepage and vertical infiltration rate for the sandy slope
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