Soil Characterization to Identify Suitable Surface Material for Mine Reclamation in Patagonia Forest, Chile.

Surface mining in Pantagonia results in forest and grassland disturbance, altering the landscape and affecting sensitive vegetation naturally adapted to grow in extreme site conditions. Previous reclamation efforts in Patagonia partially recovered grassland capacity, but failed restoring native forest due to poor soil handling and site conditions following mine closure. Surface soil removal, storage and reuse as surface material increase reclamation success. Management and selection of suitable top materials reduce soil losses and increase water-holding capacity that help reforestation efforts. This work includes soil and vegetation assessment developed as a baseline for a coal reclamation project located in Isla Riesco, in the Magallanes and Antartica Region in Chile. Revegetation with a mix of native forests and grasses constitutes the main goal of the mine reclamation plan. The objective was to identify surface soil materials in the mining area that have the potential to restore soil productivity and use for vegetation. Despite the high landscape variability, soil profile had a surface loam and sandy loam layer with an average depth of 1.5 m. deposited over a clayey glatial till with signs of poor drainage and low pH. Trees and shrubs roots development is naturally limited by the presence of this layer. Surface soil removal to a depth of 1.5 m. followed by an adequate handling plan increase the potential of reclamation success.