Mine Rehabilitation Handbook - Mining and Blasting

Anions X X Sulfate is an essential plant nutrient, chloride
indicates buffering capacity at specific pH
and also possible salt toxicity
Cations X X Indicates availability of plants nutrients also
(NA, K, Ca, Mg, Al, S, A, R) essential for
saline soils. Al potential toxin at low pH
Electrical conductivity (EC) X X X Indicates soluble salt status
pH X X X Need to identify extreme ranges for
treatment or selection of plant species. Also
indicates likely availability & behaviour of
plant nutrients with pH changes
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Dispersion Index X X X Indicates Stability & erodibility
Particle size analysis X X X Indicates stability & erodibility
Classification (structure texture etc) X Allows existing data & experience on
managing similar soils elsewhere to be
applied
Soil Overburden Tailings etc Comment
TESTS MEDIUM
8.4 Appendix 4 – Soil Tests
Selected Tests for Soil, Overburden and Other Rooting Media*
* Test and analysis will vary from site to site. In some cases, tests not listed above will be essential. Where topsoil is available and classifiable,
existing information may enable adequate management. In general the more site specific the material being revegetated, the greater the need to
determine the physical and chemical characteristics.
Nitrogen X X X Indicates levels of nitrogenous fertiliser
applications required and/or mix of plant
species desirable
Total Sulfur X X Important where acid forming potential exists
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Lime Requirement X X X On low pH material only. Indicates amount of
lime required to raise pH.
Phosphorus X X X Important if non native species necessary for
post mining landuse or where topsoil is poor
or is not available.
Minor Elements X X X Important as elements for plant growth (in
soils) (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Co, Mo, B, A) or as
potential toxins in overburden or tailings etc.
Soil Overburden Tailings etc Comment
TESTS MEDIUM