ZLV Online

Abstract

Health conditions and a performance of forest tree plantations were evaluated on the Slatinice spoil heap (Miocene limnic fine-grain sediments) at the end of the growing season in 2019. In total 800 trees of six species were planted at two ecologically different spoil heap sites in 2010. Postmining substrates were compared to the naturally evolved soil of seminatural adjacent habitat Hruška. Soil water availability was measured in the depth of rooting. Plant dieback depended on site conditions, and it was also found to be species-specific. Hornbeam trees were the tallest, while the other species showed just the half of their size. On the basis of growth achievement/dieback ratio, the most suitable species for spoil heap conditions were ranked in the order: oak > hornbeam > lime. Physical soil characteristic of seminatural Hruška and Ressl spoil heap site were similar as for high content of clayey fraction, high bulk density and low porosity. On the seminatural habitat, a topsoil (A horizon) with sufficient content of humus has evolved. Substrate of the Sypaný spoil-heap showed much more favourable physical properties such as lower bulk density, higher porosity, and sufficient content of humus. Its substrate was also deeper rooted. Soil matric potential (SMP) registered on substrates of the higher bulk density, showed more than 5-month long period when values dropped below the range of limited avaiability of water in A horizon in 2019. The lower bulk density substrate remained in sufficient water availability range, with an exception of its drop into range of limited availability of water for one summer month. This plot was placed on the base of spoil heap and was supplied by ground water.