Vegetation Restoration Effectiveness in Mianshan Abandoned Mine, Dongzhi County, China: Considering Habitat Diversity and Critical Drivers

Abstract

Vegetation restoration in abandoned mines is crucial for ecosystem recovery and sustainable development. However, the assessment of restoration effectiveness and long-term sustainability through appropriate methods remains a significant challenge. This study aims to evaluate the vegetation restoration effectiveness of the Mianshan abandoned mine in Dongzhi County, China, three years after the completion of the restoration project, using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) methods. Drone oblique photography and field survey transects were applied to determine vegetation growth and geological conditions across different habitats, including the base, terrace, and slope behind the terrace. An evaluation indicator system was developed to assess restoration effectiveness. Results indicated that the overall vegetation restoration was moderately effective, with vegetation coverage and recovery rate (restored-to-native vegetation coverage ratio) of 62.0% and 66.7%, respectively. The terrace habitat exhibited the highest, while the base and slope showed fair restoration effectiveness. Vegetation coverage was the highest on the terrace, but species diversity was the lowest. The base had lower coverage but greater species diversity, with more planted species and invasive species. The slope exhibited low coverage and species diversity, with poor growth of planted species. The terrace had more conservative species than the base and slope. Key factors influencing vegetation restoration effectiveness across habitats included topography (e.g., slope gradient), soil texture (clay or gravelly soil), soil moisture, species selection, and planting strategies. This study evaluated vegetation restoration effectiveness in the Mianshan mine using AHP and FCE methods, highlighting the influence of topography, soil conditions, and species selection on restoration outcomes across diverse habitats.