ABSTRACT
Mining causes severe disturbance to the whole ecosystem, as does replacement of soils with material featuring different properties from normal soils or with topsoil salvaged before the mining operation; in the latter case, these replacement soils can be severely disturbed by salvage, spreading, and usually also stockpiling. The microbial community MC in soil is fundamental for organic matter transformation and plays a principal role in the biogeochemical cycles of key nutrients. The soil microbial community also plays an important role in many interactions with plant roots and other soil biota as well as in formation of soil aggregates. Considering its importance, restoration of soil MC structure and function is essential for restoration success in post-mining sites. The microbial community is also a sensitive indicator of disturbance and environmental stress and thus can be a valuable indicator of restoration success.
