A review of research progress on topsoil stripping and reuse

ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically review the research progress, technical systems, and practical experiences of topsoil stripping and reuse both domestically and internationally, and to identify key bottlenecks and frontier scientific issues in this field. MethodsBased on the CNKI and Web of Science core databases, relevant literature published from 2000 to 2026 was retrieved using keywords such as topsoil stripping, topsoil reuse, and soil and water conservation. Literature review, case analysis, and comparative research methods were employed to systematically synthesize the research achievements. ResultsThe development of this field in China has undergone three stages and has gradually established a technical framework encompassing stratified stripping, classified stockpiling, and multi-scenario resource utilization. The appropriate thickness for topsoil stripping should be determined on the basis of soil type, fertility distribution, and intended end-use. During stockpiling, stringent control over stockpile height and slope gradients is essential to ensure stability, closed storage using ton-bags can significantly mitigate wind erosion and nutrient loss. Furthermore, scientific stripping and replacement of topsoil have been demonstrated to effectively enhance cultivated land quality and reduce soil erosion. ConclusionCurrent challenges in this field include incomplete technical standards, underdeveloped market mechanisms, weak policy enforcement, and a notable paucity of research on the coupling mechanisms between topsoil stripping and soil and water conservation. Future efforts should promote interdisciplinary research and deepen fundamental research into the evolution of soil quality during stockpiling, quantitative assessment of soil and water conservation benefits, and cross-regional optimal allocation of topsoil resources, so as to provides theoretical support and scientific basis for the efficient and sustainable utilization of topsoil resources and the practice of soil and water conservation and ecological restoration.