Mine Site Restoration Using Silvicultural Approach

Tree plantations remain to be a viable option for reclamation of abandoned mine lands, either as a use-only method or as a polishing procedure to be used as an add-up technology at already restored sites. It permits restoration of sites by conserving and improving basic soil biological and physical properties. At the same time it is cost-effective and can even bring some economical return through commercial valorization of obtained biomass and both aesthetic and environmental recovery of the landscape. Its application should be advised more for moderate to low contaminated sites, otherwise the period of restoration could last for decades. This technology is in continuous development providing new possibilities but also some important restrictions in its potential applications. Careful selection of tree species, control of already existing plant and microbial flora, analyzes of soil properties, nutrients, prediction of further development of herbaceous, and microbial communities, along with possibility of amendment and herbicide applications is essential for successful mine site restoration using trees.