Evolution of minesoils at a coal waste pile: A case study from Rosice-Oslavany (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Mine soil development at abandoned coal waste pile (Kukla-Václav Nosek mine, Oslavany) represents a possibility to study initial stages of pedogenetic process. Seven soil profiles were uncovered by digging pits at the base and on the slopes and top of the waste pile. Several conclusions concerning soil development at waste pile are possible on the basis of soil profiles description and basic chemistry: 1. Intensive humification was the main pedogenetic process in the initial stages of mine soil evolution at the Kukla waste pile. There is no translocation of clay minerals even in the soil profiles evolving for about 60 years; 2. The youngest soil situated on the top of the waste pile has the most stable granular aggregates. The stability of aggregates corresponds to the increased representation of the total organic matter; 3. Humus quality of the present topsoils in the Kukla waste pile is substantially influenced by the biological recultivation.