This chapter provided an overview of the physical properties of soils and their importance on the mobility of water and nutrients and the development of a vegetation cover. It also gives some examples of why the use of agricultural residues can affect positively soil physical properties. The incorporation of agricultural wastes can be a sustainable practice to improve soil characteristics, favoring a model of zero waste in agricultural production and allowing better management of soils. We review and analyze the effect of the use as amendments of different agricultural residues, on physical properties of the soil (e.g., bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity), especially related to the movement of water in the soil.

This article analysed the presence of trace metals (essential elements and pollutants) and soil properties in rural abandoned soils of a Mediterranean region. The soil properties determined were texture, pH, equivalent calcium carbonate, soil organic matter, availability of micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn), and acid microwave digestion extraction to measure the trace metals considered as main pollutants (Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb). Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to determine the relations among these parameters. pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and clay were the main properties that controlled the availability of essential metals. pH was the main factor related to these metals in these calcareous soils. However, SOC, which can be incremented by adding organic fertilizers for soil rehabilitation as a sustainable practice, played an important role. Mean values of the metal composition in soils (Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) obtained in this study were similar to values reported for other areas in the Mediterranean basin.

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In the Region of Murcia, there are many abandoned quarries in which restoration processes have not been carried out, and there are others that have a restoration plan but soil rehabilitation has not been achieved. Open pit mining generates a great environmental impact in the area where the activity takes place since it alters the morphology of the earth's crust, pollutes the air, the surface and underground waters, eliminates the flora of the area and destroys the biotope, causing changes in the landscape and strong changes in ecosystems. There is an international concern to promote sustainable development and waste reuse. In the European Union and Spain there is a requirement to carry out a restoration plan for mining operations. Waste production is a big problem; ways of reusing waste without polluting the environment and reintroducing it into economic activity are sought. In this article, several techniques are compiled that have given satisfactory results in the restoration of mining spaces, mainly in the Region of Murcia (SE Spain), by using waste such as pig manure, marble debris, sewage sludge or compost of urban household waste. These wastes pose a problem due to their disposal if they are not reused, and their use to restore mining spaces is a good option against dumping, abandonment or incineration.