Problems in the reclamation of coal-mine disturbed lands in Wales

Abstract

Large tracts of land in South Wales, officially listed as “reclaimed” from former mineral workings, are in very poor condition. Problems include gullying, accelerated runoff, poor vegetation cover, erosion and poor soil structure. Some of these problems are due to low quality engineering and poor land husbandry but they are magnified by natural processes. Some minespoils/soils include a high proportion of friable shales. These break down rapidly, when exposed to disturbance/weathering, releasing clays which clog up soil pores and impede the infiltration of water. This causes a progressive deterioration of the land with symptoms that may include waterlogging, replacement of grass by moss/lichen/bare ground, dieback of soil microbiota, increases in soil bulk density, and decreases in soil aggregate stability. Remedies proposed include developing a large/active soil microbiota capable of incorporating clay domains in water-stable soil aggregates.

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