Influence of Coal Mining Activities on Soil's Agrochemical and Biochemical Properties

Abstract

Recultivation of technologically disturbed land is an important objective of environmental protection. The study aimed to examine the impact of the coal mining process on the agrochemical and biochemical parameters of soil. Agrochemical and biochemical analysis of soil samples was conducted before and after the mining reclamation stage. The baseline indicators of coal mines indicated that all studied territories needed a full cycle of technologically disturbed land recultivation measures. Before the initial stage of recultivation, the content of carbonate-ion, bicarbonate-ion, copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, and petroleum products in soil samples from the coal mine met the norms and requirements of authorizing documents, and part of the samples from the territory of the Sample 2 coal mine were marked by increased pH and reduced humus content. All samples exceeded the background values of mobile forms of zinc, manganese, copper, lead, nickel, chromium, and cobalt. To effectively improve soil fertility, it is recommended to use biochar, compost, and/or peat and apply organic and inorganic fertilizers. The next stage of research will involve the biological reclamation of technogenically disturbed areas of the coal mines with cultivated and wild plants.