Species composition dynamics in successive plant assemblages on the northern slopes of the coal mining spoils in the arid areas of Khakassia

Abstract

The results of the study of the species composition dynamics in successive plant communities developing on the northern slopes of the coal mining spoils dating back to the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s years in the arid areas of Khakassia, are presented for the first time. During the first 10-15 years of revegetation there was an increase in taxonomic diversity in the successive plant assemblages. Endemic species of the Fabaceae family, common for the bunch grasses steppes and stony steppes of Khakassia, were not found on the northern spoil slopes. Mesoxerophytes were the most abundant ecological group. Drastic increase in the complexity of the successive plant assemblages in the arid areas of Khakassia was found to take place after 25-30 years of revegetation.