Abstract: The impact of the continuous ground surface displacement and deformation (subsidence, curvature, horizontal displacement or horizontal deformation) or discontinuous deformation (crack, step or pit) induced by mining-caused subsidence on cultivated land is investigated through theoretical analysis. It is proposed to use the allowable slope for land irrigation, underground water table, accumulated water and discontinuous deformation as the indexes for assessing the damage of mining subsidence on cultivated land, thus providing a basis for the research on the sustainable development of the cultivated land in mine area.

Key words: Mining subsidence, Cultivated land, Damage index