Soil Properties Explained More Microbial Variation Than Plant Diversity on Mine Spoil Heaps

On Polish post-coal mine spoil heaps, researchers found soil properties explained 23% of variation in microbial biomass, compared with 12% for plant diversity. Substrate pH was the strongest measured driver, and plots further along in early succession had the greatest microbial biomass.

The Catch

The finding does not mean lower plant diversity improves soil biology: the low-diversity plots were further along in succession. The study suggests restoration plans should consider soil chemistry, plant traits and ecological development together, and that spontaneous succession can help rebuild self-sustaining brownfield ecosystems.