ABSTRACT
References ................................................................................................................................... 614
“Dead” soils are often found in disturbed sites, such as mine dumps and soil stockpiles, as
a result of strip mining or other massive soil system disruption. Even when soil chemistry
and physical indicators appear adequate for healthy plant growth, a downward spiral of
soil viability ensues once plants are removed, and compaction occurs as a result of soil-
moving activities. Reduced pore space lowers both oxygen and water levels, and this
soil microbial
diminish, previous reduction having contributed to the diminished pore space.
