Studying the agrochemical features of undisturbed soils on the territory of the Mokhovsky coal mine in the Kemerovo Region to assess their use in biological reclamation

This paper describes the results of the study of the Mokhovsky coal mine undisturbed soils in different horizons of the soil profile. The study was conducted on the Sartakinskoe, Mokhovskoe and Karakanskoe fields. In each field the authors have determined the species composition of phytocenoses and soil types, and studied soil horizons and agrochemical characteristics (particle size and soil composition, humus content, hydrogen index, nutrient content, hydrolytic acidity, the amount of absorbed bases, absorption capacity, etc.). It has been established that the vegetation of the phytocenoses of the studied fields is represented by birch tree trunks with the inclusion of pine, sections of meadow and small fragments of steppe communities, where perennial herbaceous plants play a significant role, which is typical for temperate floras of the northern hemisphere. The results of the analysis of the structural and particle size distribution of the agrochemical characteristics of undisturbed soils in the Mokhovskoe, Sartakinskoe and Karakanskoe fields of the Mokhovsky coal mine indicate that these soils are of agronomic value, therefore it is recommended to remove and store the fertile layer from these sites with a view to their further use in biological reclamation to increase quality, productivity and environmental value of the restored lands in the Kemerovo Region. The fertile soil layer (PRP) and the potentially fertile soil layer (PRSP) from the Mokhovskoye field is recommended for forestry while the Sartakinskoe and Karakanskoe fields – for agricultural restoration.