Midwest reclamation methods combat soil compaction

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Coal Min. Process.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6507311

Erhart, P P

Soil compaction can be the root of reclamation evils, but various studies are working on solutions to solve the problem. A bucket-wheel excavator conveyor-spreader system, ripping, and other reclamation methods demonstrated during the 7th Midwest Reclamation Tour show promise in reclaiming land to farm and forest use. Held last September and sponsored by Southern Illinois University and the University of Kentucky, the tour surveyed mined lands in southern Illinois and western Kentucky. The tour demonstrated that soil compaction can be reduced with a conveyor-spreader system, subsoiling, soil reconstruction, and by using end-dumps and rippers. Row crop yields were substantially improved on plots where these methods were used. Reforestation methods, however, have shown less success and do not compare with the case or effectiveness of planting trees on ungraded spoil banks as was done before current reclamation laws were established.

• OSTI ID: 6507311
• Journal Information: Coal Min. Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Coal Min. Process.; (United States) Vol. 21:4; ISSN CMPRB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
012000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
510500 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BUCKET WHEEL EXCAVATORS
COAL MINES
COMPACTING
CONVEYORS
CROPS
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FEDERAL REGION IV
FEDERAL REGION V
FEDERAL REGION VII
FORESTS
GROUND COVER
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
ILLINOIS
KENTUCKY
LAND RECLAMATION
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MINES
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
NORTH AMERICA
REVEGETATION
SOILS
SPOIL BANKS
SURFACE MINING
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
USA