Abiotic Habitat Conditions in Coal Mines Heap Novel Ecosystems Concerning the Biomass Amount of Spontaneous Vegetation

Abstract

Biomass, primarily derived from photosynthesizing plants harnessing solar energy, is crucial for ecosystem functioning and diverse services. This study delves into the unique ecosystem of coal mine heaps, exploring unexpected relations between abiotic factors and biomass in spontaneous vegetation. Biomass quantity and quality are influenced by factors like plant photosynthesis efficiency, necessitating an understanding of dynamics on post-mining sites. Our investigation focuses on diverse spontaneous vegetation on coal mine heaps, analyzing abiotic conditions such as soil texture, water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, carbon, magnesium, sodium, and acidity. Contrary to our hypothesis, nitrogen content negatively correlates with soil total nitrogen, carbon, and water holding capacity. Dominant plant species' biomass, however, positively correlates with available phosphorus, pH, calcium, and sodium. These unexpected relationships highlight biomass dynamics complexity in novel ecosystems on coal mine heaps, stressing the need to consider spontaneous vegetation biomass as a valuable resource and ecosystem service in urban-industry landscapes. Findings expand scientific inquiry and have practical implications for post-industrial area reclamation. Understanding biomass potential in identified vegetation types provides insights into biomass character on coal mine heaps, crucial for maximizing spontaneous vegetation potential and transforming post-industrial landscape reclamation approaches.

Keywords

• biomass amount
• abiotic habitat resources
• texture
• water holding capacity
• biomass as a proxy for ecosystem functioning
• circular economy