Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study on the vegetation of the thermally active postmining heap “Ruda” in Zabrze (Poland). The aims of the study were: (i) to show the differentiation of the vegetation that has developed as a result of the thermal activity, and (ii) to determine the effect of thermal activity of the spoil heap on species richness and species diversity of the vegetation. Twelve plant communities were recorded on the heap. Thermal activity has a statistically significant impact on species richness (<em>Z</em> = 2.13, <em>p</em> = 0.03) and species diversity (<em>Z</em> = 2.29, <em>p</em> = 0.02). The species composition of plant communities reflects the habitat conditions, which are conditioned by thermal activity. As the distance from a zone with increased thermal activity increases, the degree of the spontaneous succession of vegetation and the complexity of the vegetation increase. Moreover, the share of annual species and kenophytes decreases in favor of perennial plants and apophytes. The number of plant communities (from four to eight), their species richness (number of species from 15 to 22) and species diversity (Shannon–Wiener diversity index from 1.81 to 2.19) also increase. A DCA analysis showed an increase in the shading, humidity and pH of the substrate, and the thickness of the dead organic matter within the gradient of the thermal activity.
Highlights
The intensive exploitation of hard coal since the eighteenth century has contributed to a strong transformation of the natural environment of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southwestern Poland [1]
Based upon the assessment of the development of thermal processes on the heap, three zones were distinguished that were differentiated in terms of the thermal activity (Fig. 1, Tab. 1): ■■ A thermally inactive zone (I) which has an average substrate temperature of 25.4°C, and no signs of the development of an endogenic fire. ■■ A zone with increased thermal activity (II) which occurs on northwestern slopes of the coal mine spoil heap
An unprecedented occurrence of a mosaic of sometimes extreme habitats can be observed on postmining heaps [2,20]
Summary
The intensive exploitation of hard coal since the eighteenth century has contributed to a strong transformation of the natural environment of the Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southwestern Poland [1]. Until the end of the twentieth century, a significant part of this waste was deposited in the over-level dumps [3]. The high content of skeletal parts in the stored material can hinder the development of the spontaneous plant cover of postmining heaps. This facilitates aeration and may cause the oxidation of any combustible components that are contained in the waste (carbonaceous matter and pyrite) and, can lead to a self-heating and self-combustion of the fuel. The thermally active areas of heaps are usually devoid of plant cover [2,4]
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