Soil development and properties of microbial biomass succession in reclaimed post mining sites near Sokolov (Czech Republic) and near Cottbus (Germany)

One of the most important preconditions of ecosystem rehabilitation in post mining landscapes is the process of soil development. In this context, the microbial activity in soil plays an important role. Carbon and phosphorus in microbial biomass and microbial activity (basal respiration, metabolic quotient) were studied in several chronosequences of reclaimed post mining sites near Sokolov (Czech Republic) and Cottbus (Germany) and compared to reference sites near Cottbus (Germany). The Sokolov chronosequence on clay spoil heaps was reclaimed by alder plantations. The Cottbus chronosequences on sandy sites were planted by Scotch pine and Red oak. The vegetation type and the litter quality seem to be of higher importance for soil microbial activity than substrate quality on the reclaimed spoil heaps. The metabolic quotient (respiration-to-biomass ratio) was higher on the clay substrate as compared to sands, indicating higher efficiency of microbial transformation in sands. The high content of total phosphorus in the clay substrate needs not to result in the high phosphorus content in microbial biomass. Phosphorus availability for microorganisms could be lower in clays.