Aplication of Soil Productivity Index after Eight Years of Soil Reclamation with Sewage Sludge Amendments

Abstract

Remediation methods are gaining acceptance as effective and inexpensive techniques used in the reclamation of degraded areas. The reclamation of post-mining sites has become important for the conservation of soil and vegetation. An assessment of potential productivity of plants based on the depth of their root zone is crucial for the validation of properties of post-mining soils. Our aim was to present soil productivity parameters that would facilitate assessment of various post-mining objects. Soil productivity index (SPI) was calculated to assess soil quality, mainly in areas degraded by hard coal mining. It is based on an equation determining the relationship between the productivity index and the physical, chemical, and hydrological properties of soil. Our study demonstrated the positive effects of enriched sewage sludge with amendments on newly formed soil and plants. The soil productivity index was 0.81, demonstrating the suitable condition of the initial soil resulting from reclamation. This parameter might be important for post-industrial reclamation, such as wasteland intended to be transformed into woodland. Considering the composition of sewage sludge amendments, it can be successfully used as an effective method of restoring and improving both the physical and chemical properties of soils, thus effectively replacing mineral fertilisers. The use of sewage sludge in soil reclamation will be an important method of managing this waste material in post-mining areas.

The structure of forest vegetation on industrial landfills of different ages

“…In general, these indicators were at their highest values for stony and gravel substrates. Difficult habitat conditions on muddy substrates (low potassium content and irregular soil structure) have probably resulted in fewer species colonizing these habitats (the youngest Sokolovsky quarries) during vegetation development (Halecki & Klatka, 2021; Poirier et al, 2020).…”

“…The acceleration of soil formation in quarry dumps can be possible due to the creation of tree and shrub plantations, as well as grass vegetation. These structures can ensure the optimal water regime in soils and a balanced ratio of nutrients (Garófano‐Gómez et al, 2017; Halecki & Klatka, 2021; Hong et al, 2019; Krüger et al, 2017; Lugo, 2020). The negative influence of soil erosion on forest vegetation occurs in conditions of extreme pH values.…”

Reaction of Microorganisms to Long-Term Waste Reclamation of Soil Degraded by the Sulfur Mining Industry

“…Moreover, as with respiration, enzymatic activity generally increased over the years. Halecki and Klatka [32], in research on reclamation of post-industrial areas, stated that eight years of reclamation with sewage sludge enriched with amendments was long enough to improve the physical properties of this soils.…”

Recovery of Degraded Areas through Technosols and Mineral Nanoparticles: A Review

“…An indicator of soil quality and soil efficiency can only be verified after 6 years because soil aggregates that are suitable for OM retention in these reclaimed areas are observed [39,40]. According to Halecki et al [41] 8 years were needed to state that post-mining soil recovery using technosols from sewage sludge enriched with Carbocrash substrate was effective. The authors presented promising results in restoring the physical and chemical properties of the soil, stating that mineral fertilizers can be replaced by sewage sludge while maintaining their effectiveness.…”