Soil Quality Indices for Evaluation of Acid Mine Spoil

Planting vegetation is a common practice for reclamation of mine spoils but can be hindered due to poor physical properties, nutrient deficiency, and the chemically hostile nature of the substrate. Sulfide-bearing minerals (e.g., pyrite) decompose to produce acid conditions when exposed and can result in elevated levels of metals and metalloids. Reclamation practices thus may need to neutralize acidity and/or slow the rate of sulfide oxidation, provide organic and inorganic fertilization, and may be enhanced by revegetating with species that are tolerant to acid mine spoil conditions. Full restoration of spoils requires the establishment of a functional ecosystem, thus assessment and monitoring should include the physical, chemical, and ecological status of the spoil substrate. Amendment strategies, plant establishment, and assessment of soil quality indices in reclaimed acidic spoils are presented.