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Title: Midwest reclamation methods combat soil compaction

Journal Article · · Coal Min. Process.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6507311

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), Vol. 21:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English