Forest restoration following surface mining disturbance: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Many forested landscapes around the world are severely altered during mining for their rich mineral and energy reserves. Herein we provide an overview of the challenges inherent in efforts to restore mined landscapes to functioning forest ecosystems and present a synthesis of recent progress using examples from North America, Europe and Australia. We end with recommendations for further elaboration of the Forestry Reclamation Approach emphasizing: (1) Landform reconstruction modelled on natural systems and creation of topographic heterogeneity at a variety of scales; (2) Use and placement of overburden, capping materials and organic amendments to facilitate soil development processes and create a suitable rooting medium for trees; (3) Alignment of landform, topography, overburden, soil and tree species to create a diversity of target ecosystem types; (4) Combining optimization of stock type and planting techniques with early planting of a diversity of tree species; (5) Encouraging natural regeneration as much as possible; (6) Utilizing direct placement of forest floor material combined with seeding of native species to rapidly re-establish native forest understory vegetation; (7) Selective ongoing management to encourage development along the desired successional trajectory.

Progresses in restoration of post-mining landscape in Africa

“…These can range from re-creating land-form complexity and redeveloping soil types that develop slowly over long time periods in natural systems, to establishing structurally and functionally complex forest ecosystems (Macdonald et al 2015). Available evidence has shown that autochthonous colonization (passive restoration) can deliver fully developed and functional ecosystems (Leteinturier et al 2001;Weiersbye et al 2006) although the succession process is slow (Bradshaw 1997; Fig.…”

Restoring forests: What constitutes success in the twenty-first century?

“…Many important indicators of ecosystem health did not vary between reclaimed and reference stands, but detectable differences in some other parameters indicate the absence of some critical ecosystem functions. Following on this issue as presented in her keynote address, Ellen Macdonald and co-authors contributed a global review of the challenges involved in restoring ecosystem function following mining disturbance (Macdonald et al 2015). They advocate use of an integrative operational approach that incorporates key advances in ecological engineering, site preparation, propagation of plant materials, and site silviculture.…”

Successional traits of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest reclamation after surface mining and agricultural disturbances: A review

“…In general, reclamation includes also geologic protection and carbon sequestration objectives (Stanturf et al, 2014). Reclamation may either rely on natural, spontaneous successional processes (passive reclamation) or is supported by human assistance and various amelioration measures, including reinstatement of topsoil layers, fertilization, organic enrichment, seeding grasses and legumes, and tree planting (active reclamation) (Hüttl & Weber, 2001;Macdonald et al, 2015). During an active reclamation, both the abiotic and biotic conditions of soils are being improved, which often accelerates considerably the restoration process (Macdonald et al, 2015).…”