Theory and practice of reclamation of disturbed lands

Review Paper

Abstract

Problems with the restoration of disturbed lands are encountered in virtually all industrialized regions in Russia and abroad. This is due to the fact that anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems and landscapes has reached such a level that new, man-made landscapes are forming over large areas, radically different in their topography, rock composition, and functioning modes from the natural landscapes that previously existed in these areas. A considerable amount of experience has now been accumulated in the reclamation of disturbed lands. A wide variety of reclamation methods, techniques, and technologies have been developed and applied in various regions to restore disturbed lands and reduce the negative consequences of the destruction of natural landscapes. These methods must take into account the specific natural and man-made conditions for the restoration of disturbed areas. Therefore, in order to identify the most successful and acceptable directions of reclamation and calculate its effectiveness, it is necessary to theoretically generalize the experience gained over many years and evaluate the results of the reclamation measures carried out.