Post-mining arable land reclamation and topsoil reconstruction in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic

Post-mining arable land in the Moravian-Silesian Region faces constraints from substrate scarcity, compaction, acidity, and altered hydrology. This study evaluates topsoil reconstruction combining salvaged A-horizon, fine-textured overburden, composted green waste, and structured ripping to re-establish soil functions on former coal sites. Using open datasets and a before-after panel across two seasons, we compare three treatments—overburden only, reconstructed topsoil, and reconstructed topsoil plus organic amendment—using physical and agronomic indicators. Endline results show lower bulk density, higher infiltration, moderated acidity, greater soil organic carbon, reduced runoff coefficients, and higher cereal yields, with strongest gains where reconstructed topsoil exceeded thirty centimeters and organic inputs were incorporated. We discuss transferability to Central European post-mining mosaics, logistics of soil sourcing, and governance conditions that align reclamation with food production. Findings support topsoil reconstruction as a scalable pathway to restore agricultural capacity under a changing climate. The approach is evaluated for practicality and regional scalability.

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