Abstract
The relationship between vegetation and selected soil characteristics in different monoculture forest types was investigated as part of a landscape restoration project after brown coal mining. Six forest types were selected: alder (Alnus sp.), spruce (Picea sp.), pine (Pinus sp.), larch (Larix sp.), long-term deciduous forest (Quercus robur, Tilia sp.), and forest created by spontaneous succession. These stands were classified into two age categories (younger and older). The soil attributes, C/N, TC, TN, pH, and A horizon depth were assessed. The observed species were categorized into functional groups by life history, life forms according to Raunkiær, and affinity to the forest environment. C/N ratio, humus thickness, and canopy cover were the main soil parameters affecting plant communities. The highest C/N values were recorded in Pinus and Larix stands, which were significantly different from deciduous and succession stands. The highest diversity index was noted in younger stands of Alnus and the lowest in younger stands of Picea. Intermediate values of the diversity index were achieved in successional stands at both age levels and in Larix and Alnus stands. The species belonging to a functional group was not an important factor in these habitat types. The species composition and vegetation change over time in the Alnus, long-life deciduous, and Larix stands show that these species are more suitable for forestry reclamation than spruce or pine. The study also emphasizes the great value of spontaneous succession areas as full-fledged alternatives to forestry reclamation.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilLocalities affected by coal mining have a configured landscape with soil always playing a very important role
This study identified C/N ratio, A horizon depth, and tree cover as important factors shaping the herbaceous vegetation of the spoil heaps
Plant communities change over time, but the relatedness of functional groups with vegetation type and age could not be traced in the vegetation of the spoil heaps
Summary
Introduction published maps and institutional affilLocalities affected by coal mining have a configured landscape with soil always playing a very important role. Vegetation dynamics, and succession [3,4,5], but most landfill areas have been technically renewed. Forestry reclamation has involved mainly monoculture stands, but for technical reclamation, non-native trees and shrubs are sometimes used [6,7], which can be unsuitable because of their invasive potential [8,9]. If the source of diaspores of an invasive species is located close to a successional area, these areas are susceptible to invasion [10]. Due to their often allelopathic characteristics and influence on soil chemistry, these species can negatively impact biodiversity
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