Ecosystem Transformation (), 34-53

Ecological and chemical properties of soils on self-revegetating coal dumps in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia

Bachurin T.S., Mitrakova N.V. , Gossen I.N.

Soils and vegetation were examined on self-revegetating coal mining dumps in the Kuznetsk Basin (Kuzbass) during the 2024–2025 field seasons. Four soil types representing various stages of pedogenesis were identified: initial embryozems, organo-accumulative embryozems, soddy embryozems, and humus-accumulative embryozems. Morphological descriptions were complemented by analyses of particle-size distribution, actual and exchangeable acidity, organic matter content, catalase and urease activity, and trace element composition. The total pollution index (Zc) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were calculated. The fine-earth fraction predominated in all embryozems except the initial stage. Bulk density and alkalinity decreased with the progression of plant community development. Elevated organic matter content in the embryozems was attributed to the incorporation of coal particles. Both catalase and urease activity increased with advancing pedogenesis. Based on Zc values, the surface layer (0–10 cm) of the embryozems fell within the permissible pollution range. The Igeo values indicated slight contamination with lead, copper, and nickel, and strong contamination with arsenic.

T. S. Bachurin
Perm State National Research University
Bukireva St. 15, Perm, 614068 Russia


N. V. Mitrakova
Perm State National Research University
Bukireva St. 15, Perm, 614068 Russia

mitrakovanatalya@mail.ru

I. N. Gossen
Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
prospekt Akademika Lavrentieva St. 8/2, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia

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