Depth-dependent heterogeneity in topsoil stockpiles influences plant-microbe interactions and revegetation success in arid mine reclamation.

ABSTRACT: Covering mine tailings with uncontaminated soil is a common strategy to mitigate environmental impacts and promote ecosystem recovery during post-mining land reclamation. Topsoil is often stockpiled for future use as a capping layer, but prolonged storage alters its physical, chemical, and microbial properties, often hindering revegetation. This study evaluated soil health parameters within the 28-meter depth profile of a 14-year-old copper mine topsoil stockpile to identify key indicators of revegetation success in semi-arid ecosystem. Using non-invasive root phenotyping in rhizoboxes, filled with soils collected from different depth layers, we monitored plant growth and assessed how biochemical variability in stockpile materials affects germination and early establishment. Machine learni

SUBMITTER: Murawska-Wlodarczyk K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560271 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature