Study on soil carbon sequestration in the Heidaigou opencast coal mine

The carbon sequestration of Heidaigou opencast mining area was calculated by using carbon density method based on remote sensing technology, combined field surveys and data measured indoor. Soil bulk density, soil organic matter and other soil properties of the 63 soil samples in the Heidaigou mining area were measured. The results indicated the following conclusions. (1) The carbon sequestration of Heidaigou opencast coal mine area was 4,651,623.30 t in 2010. (2) There was a positive correlation between soil carbon density and the age of land reclamation. (3)After reclamation the carbon sequestration of Heidaigou opencast coal mine increased by 239,748.61 t. So the potential for carbon sequestration is great in this area. The results indicate that the mining area land reclamation can improve soil carbon acquisition capability and maintain the ecological balance of carbon cycle.