A preliminary assessment of soil sulphur contamination and vegetations in the vicinity of former boreholes on the afforested post-mine site Jeziórko

Abstract

The work aims to assess soil sulfur contamination degree indicating various reclamation efficiencies within microhabitats formed in the “Jeziorko” inoperative boreholes of former sulfur-mining areas which have been reclaimed to forest. Three plot categories have been initially determined in post-mining areas: category D – degraded, i.e. ineffectively reclaimed and unsuccessfully afforested plots, pine stands category (P), and birch stands (B), successfully afforestated. Afterwards, four circular plots were defined within each of the determined categories (4 replications, i.e. a total of 12 plots). For each plot, cover-abundance (according to the Braun-Blanquet scale) and dominant herbaceous vegetation species, tree species and stand density were determined. Height (Ht) and diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements were taken, and a vitality assessment was completed according to the IUFRO classification. Soil samples were collected at each plot from the plots in 5 points at two different depths (0–5 cm and 5–40 cm) and laboratory analysis were prepared. Soil properties such as texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), hydrolytic acidity (Hh), the contents of soil organic carbon SOC, total nitrogen TN, total sulfur TS, and exchangeable cations (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Na + ) were determined. Soils from the D plot category were characterised by high sulfur contamination, excess salinity (EC), and strong acidity in top soil. These parameters indicated the completed neutralization had not been performed effectively at certain sites. Pine (P) and birch (B) stands categories showed good growth rates and soil parameters indicating the reclamation treatments had been completed successfully.