Influence of reclamation and slope aspect on the selected properties of constructosols developed on a reclaimed landfill in Czmoń. Part I: basic physical and chemical soil properties

The dynamic development of civilization and the increase in municipal waste generation in Poland have necessitated effective landfill management and reclamation. This study analyzes the impact of slope aspect, position on the slope, and the time elapsed since reclamation on selected physicochemical properties of surface soil layers in a reclaimed landfill in Czmoń, Wielkopolskie Voivodeship. The research included soil analyses of the surface (0–10 cm) and subsurface (10–20 cm) layers in different parts of the landfill. Parameters such as grain size distribution, pH, organic carbon (OC) content, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined. Statistical analysis of the obtained results indicated that these factors influenced soil properties depending on landfill age and slope orientation. The texture was expected to be the result of the specific technical reclamation process, which was confirmed. The newer part of the landfill exhibited higher pH, CEC, and CaCO3 content, whereas the older part had a higher C:N ratio. A relationship was also observed between the exposure of analyzed slopes (N-S) and selected soil properties. These findings highlight the importance of well-designed reclamation activities that ensure the biological function of soils formed on such landfills and minimize the negative impact on the environment. These studies make a significant contribution to advancing knowledge on the long-term effects of landfill reclamation.