| Abstract: | Effective cropland reclamation planning must be based upon an understanding of the soil characteristics and properties that contribute to the development of productive soils. Effective use of available soil and overburden materials require the utilization of all available knowledge about processes that cause changes in soil properties. Adequate premine characterization of soil and overburden materials is a prerequisite for good planning. Proper postmine topographic design is critical for maximizing water infiltration and retention. Topsoil must be replaced on all reclaimed soils, but the depth of replacement of subsoil depends upon the texture and soluble salt and/or sodium content of the underlying spoil. Reclamation success should be evaluated by relating yields to properties of the reclaimed soils; comparison with yields from nearby reference areas of undisturbed soils is not an acceptable method.Contribution from Land Reclamation Research Center, North Dakota State University, Mandan.Superintendent and Research Associates, respectively. |
