Biological quality and organic matter dynamics in minesoil at 18 years reclamation with perennial grasses

Abstract

Mining is one of the most destructive economic activities on natural ecosystems. There are around 750 ha impacted by open-pit coal mining in Candiota Mine, the largest in Brazil, with 1.2 billion tons subject to mining. In soils impacted by mining, litter decomposition, always linked to a more extended period of restoration and maintenance of the vegetation, presents positive correlations with the diversity of the edaphic fauna and the enzymatic activity of these areas, promoting improvements in the ecological functions of the new ecosystem. The objective of the present study was to analyze the impact of revegetation with different summer perennial grasses subjected to different mowing managements on the biological and chemical quality of soils after coal mining in an experimental area at the Candiota Mine. Analyzes were performed to identify edaphic organisms using modified Berlese-Tüllgren funnels and microbiological analyzes to quantify Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC), Microbial Respiration (MR), and urease enzymatic activity. The different fractions of Soil Organic Matter (fulvic, humic acids, and humin) were also quantified to understand the degree of humification in the area. All results were compared in mean tests by Tuckey's test (p < 0.05) and by Principal Component Analysis. After 18 years of revegetation and 11.6 years of mowing management in the area, there was an improvement in MBC and MR compared to the Control, evidencing the positive effect of the perennial grasses used in the experimental area. However, mowing management cannot yet be considered the most promising management for improving edaphic conditions.