Influence of man-made edaphotopes of the spoil heap on biota

Abstract

The aim of the work is to investigate the influence of man-made edaphotopes of colliery spoil heap on biota by bioindication method. The physicochemical properties of edaphotopes were investigated: humidity, substrate temperature, humus content at different intervals of their depth and on different sections of the waste heap. The storage technologies of mineral waste in the dumps disregard its further use and transforming that occurs over time. It was revealed that on the northern slope exposures the greatest amount of moisture was concentrated and temperature regimes were acceptable for the activity of the soil biota, which was proved by the largest amount of biomass. New dependences of humus content in edaphotopes of the heap in different intervals of their depth from biomass of humus-forming organisms were established. Slight successional processes on the surface of the heap were observed, where young flora began to develop. This positive phenomenon will contribute to the humus of the genetic horizons and the development of tree and shrub vegetation. Favourable conditions for the development of neo-terrain and the formation of a new landscape in mining regions were confirmed.