Soils (Post-operational Phase)
It is important with all replaced soils or restored areas that tracking across the surface is avoided; clearly identified vehicle routes/roads are essential. Having gone to so much trouble to maintain the structure of the replaced soil (especially the air voids) very substantial damage (especially compaction) can be done from wheeled vehicles driving across areas especially in wet conditions. Fencing of newly-replaced topsoil/subsoil areas is generally necessary to ensure controlled management of these areas (whether to control livestock, public access, further disturbance from nearby extraction or, simply, to define ecological areas).
Depending on afteruse, the restored land may benefit from additional aeration, drainage, fertilisation, the spreading of additional soil or stone picking. Ripping along the contours will minimise downhill migration whereas ripping diagonally to a slope will encourage some drainage while minimising surface erosion.
Application of PAS100 compost or PAS110 cake from the anaerobic digestion process can be a benefit from sustainable sources. PAS110 liquor, which is rich in ammonia, may be spread or hydroseeded across newly seeded or planted areas.
Unless there are specific ecological or food production reasons, early cropping from restored areas should be left in situ to improve the structure of the replaced soil as well to provide organic content and to increase water retention.
Additional Information, References and Bibliographies
Bending, N.A.D., McRae, S.G. and Moffat, A.J. (1999). Soil forming materials: their use in land reclamation. The Stationery Office, London.
Bending, N.A.D. and Moffat, A.J. (1999). Tree performance on minespoils in the South Wales Coalfield. Journal of Applied Ecology 36.
Good Practice Guides for handling soils, Defra: Sheets 1 – 19. L0301
Silsoe College (2000) Trials to evaluate the effectiveness of subsoiling treatments on soil structure on mineral sites during the five year aftercare period. HMSO. 348
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions report, 1999 'Soil forming materials: their use in land reclamation, HMSO (London) 237pp.
DoE (1996), MPG7: The Reclamation of Mineral Workings. HMSO, London. L0160
MAFF (1998), The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil (the Soil Code). MAFF Publications, London.
Littler, A. (1990), Sand and Gravel Planning and Restoration. Technical Handbook. Institute of Quarry, Nottingham.
Coppin, N.J. & Bradshaw, A.D. 1981. Quarry Reclamation. Mining Journal Books, London.
DoE (1996), Guidance on Good Practice for the Reclamation of Mineral Workings to Agriculture. HMSO, London.
DoE (1996), The Reclamation to Agriculture. HMSO, London.
MAFF (2000), Good Practice for Handling Soils (version 04/00)/Leaflets 1-19. FRCA, Cambridge.
WRc & ADAS (1998), Investigation of the Criteria for the Guidance on the Landspreading of Industrial Wastes. Final report to DETR, the Environment Agency and MAFF. WRc, Swindon.
MAFF (1998), The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water (the Water Code). MAFF Publications, London.
MAFF (1998), The Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Air (the Air Code). MAFF Publications, London.
DETR (2001), The draft soil strategy for England a consultation paper. DETR, London.
Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (1996), Sustainable Use of Soil. 19th Rep. CM3165. HMSO, London.
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