Distribution of Woody Vegetation on Soda Waste Dumps in Relation to Spatial Variation in Selected Parameters of the Mineral Cover

Abstract

Development of woody plants in the course of succession on reclaimed soda waste dumps by use of mineral cover was analyzed. The spatial variation in the thickness and granulometric composition of the mineral cover was analysed by the Kriging method. The statistical measurements and geostatistical analysis were used to create maps showing areal variability for the parameters analysed. Analysis of the development of woody vegetation was based on field work and raster layers created on the basis of aerial photographs. No link was found between the parameters of the mineral cover and the distribution and development of spontaneous woody vegetation. The species composition in the study area is limited, and dominated by pioneer species, mainly the expansive black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Given that the soda waste disposal site is to be used as urban green spaces, the target ecosystem structure must be considered and a suitable course of action selected: further reclamation procedures improving substrate quality and enrichment of the species composition of the tree stand, or management involving sustaining the current state while controlling the course of natural succession of vegetation.

Ecotoxicological Risk of Alkaline Sodic Waste on Plant Development

“…Very unfavorable chemical properties of the waste of soda production cause settling tanks to be specific and problematic sites to conduct environmental reclamation [1][2][3]. In the classification of post-industrial areas proposed by Krzaklewski [4], based on the observation of land cover as a result of spontaneous succession, post-sodic settlers are described as objects which are very difficult for biological reclamation with no spontaneous overgrowth for at least 10 years.…”

“…In the classification of post-industrial areas proposed by Krzaklewski [4], based on the observation of land cover as a result of spontaneous succession, post-sodic settlers are described as objects which are very difficult for biological reclamation with no spontaneous overgrowth for at least 10 years. Such waste is characterized by extremely high pH values and a significant degree of salinity [3,5,6].…”

“…Overburden material was characterized by differences in thickness and diversity in texture. Previous studies [3,7] have shown that the used topsoil was affected by contact with waste inducing changes in its physical and chemical properties. The soil layer was often displaced and mixed with the covered waste by the presence of animals that spend most of their lives underground or under the topsoil overburden.…”