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

Abstract

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and their symbiotic associations with forest trees are among major drivers of key ecosystem functions such as carbon and nitrogen cycling, plant nutrient and water uptake from soil, plant-plant facilitation/competition and diversity regulation via common mycorrhizal networks. Through their functional traits and interactions with both abiotic and biotic environment, they also significantly affect the process of open land colonization by trees as well as vegetation succession coupled with soil and ecosystem development. Here we review the role of ECM fungi in the early primary and secondary succession following major anthropogenic disturbances. Based on the examples of mine spoils and post-agricultural lands, we demonstrate key ecosystem services provided by ECM fungi in the processes of forest restoration. We point out ecological mechanisms and adaptations which underpin ECM fungal community successional interactions, particularly life histories, dispersal, spatial structure, host preferences, and sensitivity to environmental filters. We emphasize the need of better understanding the role of ECM fungi in the forest restoration practice as it seems crucial for afforestation success and biodiversity rehabilitation. Thus, ectomycorrhizal traits should be a prime consideration in afforestation and carbon sequestration polices, sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation practices.

Advantages of mixed tree stands in restoration of upper soil layers on postmining sites: A five‐year leaf litter decomposition experiment

“…Because of the economy-based need for continuous exploitation, reclamation by management processes (mainly afforestation) is preferred over leaving the sites for natural succession (Macdonald et al, 2015;Pietrzykowski & Socha, 2011;Sroka et al, 2018). To shorten the time for reestablishment of productivity, managers need to understand the key role played by initiation of soil formation processes (Esperschütz et al, 2013;Kałucka & Jagodziński, 2016). Preafforestation activities like applying topsoil, neutralization of toxic layers and fertilization or using forecrop plants can enhance restoration processes (Pietrzykowski, Gruba, & Sproull, 2017).…”

How much does climate change threaten European forest tree species distributions?

“…Dominant tree species determine nutrient cycling (e.g., Hobbie et al, 2006;Mueller et al, 2012;Reich et al, 2005), light availability (e.g., Canham, Finzi, Pacala, & Burbank, 1994;Knight, Oleksyn, Jagodzinski, Reich, & Kasprowicz, 2008;Niinemets, 2010), and microclimate (von Arx, Dobbertin, & Rebetez, 2012). Therefore, transitions in dominant tree species due to climate change will also cause changes to properties of whole ecosystems and dependent organisms, such as epiphytes (e.g., Kir aly & Odor, 2010;Me zaka, Br umelis, & Piter ans, 2012;Woziwoda, Staniaszek-Kik, & Stefa nska-Krzaczek, 2016), understory vegetation (e.g., Augusto, Dupouey, & Ranger, 2003;Knight et al, 2008;Wulf & Naaf, 2009), mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., Dickie et al, 2006;Kałucka & Jagodzi nski, 2016;Trocha et al, 2012), and soil biota (e.g., Mueller et al, 2015Mueller et al, , 2016. Thus, changes in dominant tree species may alter many dependent species.…”

Biodiversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi in surface mine spoil restoration stands in Poland – first time recorded, rare, and red-listed species

“…They are not contaminated with any chemical waste but usually show poor physical and chemical features. For reinstatement of utility and natural functions, they are reclaimed by means of technical and biological recultivation, and frequently, the final stage of this process is achieved by afforestation [4]. The restoration forests planted on mine spoils are thought to be important especially for their soil protective functions, landscape improvement, and recreational goals.…”