Assessment of Soil Physico-chemical Characteristics in Mining-impacted and Agricultural Landscapes of the Ketki Coal Belt, Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh, India

Although the environmental impacts of coal extraction on soil systems are well recognized, the Ketki Coal Mine in Surajpur District has received little scientific attention despite decades of continuous operation. To address this gap, the present study assessed how mining activities have reshaped the chemical properties and nutrient status of nearby soils. Fourteen samples were collected along two mining transects situated 2-3 km from the excavation zone and from agricultural lands located 4-6 km away. Soil material taken from 15-30 cm and 30-50 cm depths was analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, major nutrients, and micronutrients obtained through DTPA extraction and measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Marked spatial contrasts emerged from the assessment. Soils on the northern side of the mine exhibited pronounced acidity, while those to the west showed alkaline tendencies, suggesting variation in the mineral character of overburden deposits. Mining-affected soils also contained noticeably reduced organic carbon and diminished nitrogen and phosphorus levels. In contrast, agricultural soils retained more balanced fertility and showed higher concentrations of iron, manganese, and copper. Statistical evaluation using ANOVA, together with supporting biostatistical procedures, indicated significant differences between mining-influenced sites and agricultural areas for several key parameters. Overall, the findings reveal substantial deterioration of soil quality around the Ketki mine and highlight the importance of organic inputs, targeted nutrient management, and continued monitoring to aid ecological restoration.