Profile Development and Soil Properties of Three Forest Reclamations of Different Ages in Sokolov Mining Basin, Czech Republic

Abstract

Forestry reclamation practices have been very popular in the second half of the last century, and many spoil heaps have been converted into forests since. In our experiment, three forest reclamations of different ages (~90, ~50, and ~30 years) and three soil vegetation covers (I—maple and cherry, II—maple, and III—alder) from Sokolov, Czech Republic, were investigated. In each of the three stands, two soil profiles have been dug, and both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken from all recognized horizons. Samples were tested for bulk and particle density, porosity, water retention capacity, pH (H2O, KCl), cation exchange capacity, oxidizable carbon content, organic matter quality, plant available nutrients, and risk elements. A comparison of these properties throughout the profile, as well as between the stands, was presented. A significant role of stand age in soil profile development and soil quality was observed, as well as the tendency of the anthropogenic mine Technosol to evolve into a forest Cambisol in this climate region and parent material. Influence of forest vegetation cover was observed to ameliorate soil properties by accumulating organic matter, thus reducing compaction and increasing CEC and nutrient availability.