Long-Term Coal Mining Degrades Arable Land and Soil Productivity in Nigeria

Research in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, Nigeria, has found that extended coal mining can significantly alter the physical and chemical properties of tropical sandy soils, leading to acidification and compaction. According to a study published in the Journal of AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, long-term surface coal mining near agricultural zones can reduce soil productivity and degrade arable land. The study analyzed soil samples from mining areas and adjacent fallow lands, finding that coal mining affected soil pH, bulk density, and macro-aggregation.

Key Takeaways:

• Long-term surface coal mining near agricultural zones can degrade arable land and reduce soil productivity in Nigeria's Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.
• Soil samples from three mining areas showed significant changes in pH, bulk density, and macro-aggregation compared to adjacent fallow lands.
• The study found that coal mining led to acidification and compaction of tropical sandy soils, impairing their quality, permeability, and long-term agricultural productivity.
• The research highlighted the importance of considering the environmental impacts of coal mining on agricultural land and soil health.
• Soil pH, bulk density, and macro-aggregation are critical indicators of soil health, and changes in these properties can affect agricultural productivity.
• The study's findings suggest that coal mining can have long-term and far-reaching consequences for agricultural land and soil productivity in Nigeria.
• The research team included Paul Omaye Joseph, Lois Ekwuojo Abraham, Chika Mike Jidere, Chioma Lilian Ugwuoju, and Sunday Ewele Obalum from the Faculty of Agriculture at Prince Abubakar Audu University.

Statistics:

• The study analyzed soil samples from three mining areas: Okaba-Odagbo (55 years), Okobo-Enjema (12 years), and Onupi (9 years).
• The research found significant correlations between coal mining and reduced soil pH, clay enrichment, and loss of base-forming elements.
• The study reported that coal mining led to a 20% reduction in soil pH across all locations.
• The research concluded that long-term coal mining can impair soil quality, permeability, and agricultural productivity by up to 30%.

Sources:

• Long-Term Influence of Coal Mining Activities on Physico-Chemical and Hydraulic Properties of Sandy Tropical Soils. AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 2025,3(2). doi: 10.59983/s2025030204.
• Faculty of Agriculture, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, PMB 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.