Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
forestry, native trees, in temperate Europe espe-
cially deciduous trees (e.g.
F. sylvatica
,
Quercus
div. spp.), are aimed at and should be included in
growing-stock objectives to a significant propor-
tion. Tree species such as ash (
F. excelsior
), maple
(
A. pseudoplatanus
), cherry tree (
Prunus avium
) and
mountain elm (
Ulmus glabra
) may benefit from the
generally favourable soil conditions of the aban-
doned fields and meadows, but this high nutrient
status - together with intensive radiation on the
ground in the initial phase of reforestation - also
induces intensive competition by grasses and herbs
(H. Fischer 1999, 2000). Additionally, fencing is a
need for a certain period in cases where large
populations of wild ungulates (mainly roe and red
deer) are present.
particularly following open-cast mining activities,
among which the states with lignite conveyance are
the most important, are in need of reclamation or rehab-
ilitation, starting at 'point zero' (Bradshaw 1983,
Hüttl & Weber 2001). Most mine industries employ
surface techniques which disturb the local landscape
fundamentally and have a drastic impact on the
nature of the whole region. Existing ecosystems are
destroyed completely and the removal of the overburden
covering the mineral or coal resource changes the topo-
graphy and hydrology on a large scale.
Afforestation
,
forest establishment on substrate and surface that never
before was settled by forests, is often applied (Fig. 10.8).
Research into the ecology of afforested mine sites
is being conducted in numerous countries (Poland,
Czechia, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Ger-
many and Spain; Bradshaw & Chadwick 1980, Cairns
1991, Häge
et al.
1996, Strzyszcz 1996, Bradshaw 1997,
Hüttl 1998, Bradshaw & Hüttl 2001, Nienhaus &
Bayer 2001).
The most important effect of open-cast mining is
the dramatic influence on
water balance
. Before the
lignite seam can be uncovered, the water must be
10.5.5 Afforestation in post-mining
landscapes: starting at point zero
Mining is an important field of European economic
activity and often has a long tradition. Devastated areas,
Fig. 10.8
Post-mining landscape in Germany. Afforestation with
Quercus petraea
. Photo by H. Fischer.
