Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Investigation of Edaphic Variability and Properties for Suitability of Post-Bitumen Mining Reclamation Work
by Ifelola, E.O. and Alaba, O.C.

Abstract:
A study to evaluate the pre-mining conditions of the overburden soils in the bituminous sand deposit area located at Gbelejuloda community of Ondo State, Nigeria and their suitability for post-mining reclamation and restoration programme was undertaken in this research. A total of eleven (11) soil samples; each weighing approximately 1-2kg were obtained from selected locations in the study area at depths varying between 0-20cm and 80-100cm respectively. The samples were put in polythene bags and transferred to the laboratory for analyses of soil particle size, bulk density, pH and the constituent macro and micro elements essential for proper plant growth. The obtained soil nutrients values were compared with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and USDA soil quality standards to ascertain the soils viability and suitability as growth media for natural process of re-vegetation. The analyses revealed a range of soil organic matter between (0.14 - 2.79) %, nitrogen (0.07-1.40) %, phosphorous (2.60-39.55)mg/kg and potassium (0.07-0.51) Cmol/kg respectively. The study showed that the study area is made up of soil of four textural classes with clay-loam forming the largest proportion of 54.5%. Also, the research found that most of the soil nutrients essential for plant growth were adequate in the sampled soils to encourage restoration of cleared vegetation when embarking on post-open pit mining reclamation programme as- an integral part of environmental conservation mining plan.

Keywords: reclamation, soil, properties, mining, vegetation, analysis, open-pit.

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