M.B. Almendro-Candel

Organic Mulching to Improve Mining Soil Restoration

Mulching is a technique that protects soils against environmental factors and improves their characteristics. The use of wastes for mulching is an environmentally friendly action and has many advantages: it increases organic matter, reduces moisture losses, controls weeds, and increases soil biodiversity. However, it is important to take the environmental conditions and other factors into account, such as the availability of the waste and facilities for management practices, before incorporating mulches into the topsoil. Several experiments have demonstrated positive effects on moisture control with organic mulching protection. The decision about which waste is used depends on other factors such as availability, transport costs, or soil characteristics. The proper use of wastes for mulching in mining restoration is a good strategy to reduce waste, restore soil, and reduce water losses.