Selected physical and water properties of soils located in the vicinity of proposed opencast lignite mine “Drzewce” (middle Poland)

Abstract

Abstract The paper presents physical and water properties of six soils located in the areas directly adjacent to “Drzewce” lignite open cast mine (KWB Konin). The conducted works included preparation of pits of various soil types in points characteristic to large and representative soil allotments. The selected soil types represented mineral and organic soils. Samples of disturbed and undisturbed structure were taken from various genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. Such properties as content of total carbon, texture, specific density, bulk density, total and drainage porosity, moisture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, the potential of water bonding, total and readily available water, and total retention were determined in the samples from the horizons of 0–100 cm. The investigated soils showed mostly sandy texture with few local loam insertions. Texture and the content of organic matter were the most important parameters which influenced all analyzed properties. Morphology and the properties of the examined soils as well as deep level of soil – ground water were decisive factors when categorizing them as a precipitation-water type. Such soils will not undergo degradation caused by the dehydrating depression cone of open cast mine.