AGR-41: Sampling Surface Mine Lands Before And After Mining

Vasilios Evangelou, Richard Barnhisel | Feb. 12, 2025 (Revised)

The purpose of sampling surface mine lands is to gather information on the physical and chemical characteristics of the area to help assure a successful reclamation effort. Laboratory analysis of a soil sample representative of the area can be used to evaluate deficiencies or toxicities for various crops, estimate nutrient needs, determine proper fertilizer applications and identify overburden layers that may be used for a topsoil substitute or rooting medium.