Abstract
The research was carried out to assess soil condition many years after waste introduction for reclamation purposes. The parameters of the activity of soil microorganisms responsible for the revitalization processes in degraded soils were used in the research. Soil material was derived from the area of the former sulfur mine. The results showed that even a single waste introduction to degraded soil caused long-lasting effects in the activity of soil microorganisms. The most favorable changes were caused by the addition of sewage sludge and the use of mineral wool in the form of a pad. The application of lime alone turned out to be the least beneficial for the revitalization processes, i.e., restoring the homeostasis of biological life in degraded soil. This research is a continuation of study that concerned the initial recultivation period. The obtained research results show the need for monitoring soils reclaimed with waste, not only in the initial period but also in the following years. These results allow evaluation of the usefulness of the parameters of soil microbial activity in monitoring soil environments subjected to strong human pressure. The results can be used to assess the risks associated with the introduction of waste into the environment.
Highlights
Soil is one of the most important natural resources and forms the basis for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems [1,2]
The following wastes were introduced into the soil degraded by exploitation for reclamation purposes: post-flotation lime (PFL), sewage sludge (SS), and mineral wool (MWP—in the form of a pad, MW—fragmented and distributed in the soil)
The analysis of the results showed that the number of bacteria in the reclaimed objects was higher from the second time point (0.320–2.210 cfu 109 kg−1) compared to the non-reclaimed site (0.120–0.753 cfu 109 kg−1)
Summary
Soil is one of the most important natural resources and forms the basis for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems [1,2]. It has a number of important functions, among others, it enables primary production of biomass and circulation of carbon and other elements; it has an effect on the micro- and macroclimate and shapes biodiversity [3]. The result is a decrease in the utility value of the soil and its elimination from agricultural use. Qualitative and quantitative composition of soil microbiocenoses plays a very important role in the course of many biological processes, and its changes affect the proper functioning of ecosystems [5]
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