This research project was aimed at assessing the soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential of reclaimed minesoils (RMS). The experimental sites were characterized by distinct age chronosequences of RMS and were located in Guernsey, Morgan, Noble, and Muskingum Counties of Ohio. Restoration of disturbed land is followed by the application of nutrients to the soil to promote the vegetation development. Reclamation is important both for preserving the environmental quality and increasing

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... ronomic yields. Since reclamation treatments have significant influence on the rate of soil development, a study on subplots was designed with the objectives of assessing the potential of different biosolids on soil organic C (SOC) sequestration rate, soil development, and changes in soil physical and water transmission properties. All sites are owned and maintained by American Electric Power (AEP). These sites were reclaimed by two techniques: (1) with topsoil application, and (2) without topsoil application, and were under continuous grass or forest cover. Findings and Conclusions from the Research as a Whole The spatial variability of chemical and physical properties at reclaimed mine sites without topsoil application was often high, and, therefore, valid statistical comparisons among sites of the age chronosequence severely altered. Taking many more soil samples is a requirement to address this high variability. Thus, the SOC sequestration over time at reclaimed coal mine sites without topsoil application can probably not be determined at economically justifiable expenditures. In addition, during this study a major difficulty in addressing SOC sequestration in RMS became evident. The SOC at all studied sites contains coal C from mining activities. Thus, changes in ___________________________ Lorenz and Lal-C-MASC Mar 08