The relationship between successional vascular plant assemblages and associated microbial communities on coal mine spoil heaps [streszczenie]

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between vascular plant species and associated soil microbial properties at various stages of vegetation development on unclaimed hard coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (south Poland). The spontaneous vegetation, soil chemistry as well as the activity and structure of microbial communities were recorded on this specific habitat. The colliery heaps were divided into four age classes and plant species composition and cover abundance were recorded on the established plots (2x2m) (Fragment tekstu).