The Effect of Traditional Coal Mining on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Heavy Metals Concentrations in Lavij Forest

Mining activity could affect forest ecosystem health by impact on soil quality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate effects of mining activities on soil properties in series No. 2, Lavij forest. After field visiting and determining the location of the mine, a square area (4 ha) was laid out with a systematic random sampling (60 × 60 m grid) and 16 plots (20 × 20 m) were systematic randomly considered. Then, an area adjacent to the mine, which was not affected by mining activities, was selected and considered as the control area and plots were also considered as the mentioned method. To study the physical and chemical properties of soil in the two areas, a sample was taken from the upper soil layer (0-10 cm) in each plot. In the laboratory, bulk density, moisture, texture, pH, EC, concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, percentage of organic carbon, lead and cadmium concentrations of soil samples were measured. Results showed that mining caused significant decrease in moisture content, soil pH, and EC, nitrogen and potassium concentrations. The concentration of Pb and Cd in the mining area was significantly higher than the control. According to the results of this study, based on the negative effects of mining activities, it is necessary to consider reclamation of contaminated soil in these areas in the agenda of related Organization.