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Soil Properties and Biomass Attributes in a Former Gravel Mine Area after Two Decades of Forest Restoration

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  • Frederick Gyasi Damptey

    (Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, 03046 Cottbus, Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Klaus Birkhofer

    (Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, 03046 Cottbus, Senftenberg, Germany)

  • Paul Kofi Nsiah

    (Department of Environmental Management, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani 00233, Ghana)

  • Enrique G. de la Riva

    (Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, 03046 Cottbus, Senftenberg, Germany)

Abstract

The ongoing global deforestation resulting from anthropogenic activities such as unsustainable agriculture and surface mining threatens biodiversity and decreases both soil carbon and above-ground biomass stocks. In this study, we assessed soil properties and below- and above-ground biomass attributes in a restored former gravel mine area in Ghana two decades after active restoration with potted plants and fresh topsoil. We compared conditions to four alternative land-use types (unrestored abandoned gravel mine, arable land, semi-natural forest, and natural forest) representing pre- and post-disturbance as well as natural reference states. We hypothesized that soil properties and related levels of below- and above-ground biomass in the restored area share similarities with the natural reference systems and thereby are indicative of a trajectory towards successful restoration. Eight replicated subareas in each land-use type were assessed for a set of soil parameters as well as below- and above-ground biomass attributes. The soil properties characteristic for the restored area differed significantly from pre-restoration stages, such as the abandoned gravel site, but did not differ significantly from properties in the natural forest (except for bulk density and base saturation). Above-ground biomass was lower in the restored area in comparison to the reference natural forests, while differences were not significant for below-ground biomass. Silt and effective cation exchange capacity were closely related to above-ground biomass, while below-ground biomass was related to soil organic carbon, bulk density, and potassium concentration in soils. Our results suggest that major steps towards successful restoration can be accomplished within a relatively short period, without the wholesale application of topsoil. Improving soil conditions is a vital tool for the successful development of extensive vegetation cover after surface mining, which also affects carbon sequestration by both above- and below-ground biomass. We emphasize that the use of reference systems provides critical information for the monitoring of ecosystem development towards an expected future state of the restored area.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederick Gyasi Damptey & Klaus Birkhofer & Paul Kofi Nsiah & Enrique G. de la Riva, 2020. "Soil Properties and Biomass Attributes in a Former Gravel Mine Area after Two Decades of Forest Restoration," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:9:y:2020:i:6:p:209-:d:376871
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paula Meli & Karen D Holl & José María Rey Benayas & Holly P Jones & Peter C Jones & Daniel Montoya & David Moreno Mateos, 2017. "A global review of past land use, climate, and active vs. passive restoration effects on forest recovery," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Mihai Buta & Gheorghe Blaga & Laura Paulette & Ioan Păcurar & Sanda Roșca & Orsolya Borsai & Florina Grecu & Pauliuc Ecaterina Sînziana & Cornel Negrușier, 2019. "Soil Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands by Revegetation in Northwestern Part of Transylvania: A 40-Year Retrospective Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Jiali Wang & Fuqiang Zhao & Jian Yang & Xiaoshu Li, 2017. "Mining Site Reclamation Planning Based on Land Suitability Analysis and Ecosystem Services Evaluation: A Case Study in Liaoning Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Rattan Lal, 2015. "Restoring Soil Quality to Mitigate Soil Degradation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-21, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oimahmad Rahmonov & Sylwia Skreczko & Małgorzata Rahmonov, 2021. "Changes in Soil Features and Phytomass during Vegetation Succession in Sandy Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-26, March.
    2. Ofosu, George & Sarpong, David, 2022. "Beyond the doom: Sustainable water management practices of small-scale mining operations," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

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