Ecological and technogenic safety and phytomelioration of degraded landscapes of a limestone quarry
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Date
2026-04-28
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Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski"
Abstract
The reclamation of degraded lands, particularly limestone quarries, is a critical ecological task aimed at restoring soil cover and forming stable phytocenoses. This study evaluates
the effectiveness of phytomelioration measures through an analysis of changes in the physicochemical properties of soil and plant composition. The results showed that, after reclamation, humus content increased by 15%, contributing to improved soil structure and water retention capacity. Soil acidity (pH) rose from 4.5 to 6.1, creating favorable conditions for the development of mesophytic and eutrophic species. The concentration of macronutrients significantly increased: nitrogen from 12.3 mg/kg to 24.7 mg/kg, phosphorus from 9.8 mg/kg to 20.3 mg/kg, and potassium from 85 mg/kg to 150 mg/kg, positively affecting plant cover productivity. Phytocenosis analysis revealed an increase in meadow-steppe communities from 24.69% to 31.82% and eutrophic species from 22.22% to 34.55%, indicating ecosystem stabilization. The planting of tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Robinia pseudoacacia, Quercus robur) contributed to soil stabilization, reduced erosion processes, and the gradual formation of forest ecosystems. The results confirm the effectiveness of phytomelioration in restoring technogenically disturbed lands. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring of successional changes and the impact of reclamation measures on soil biogeochemical processes.
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Keywords
phytomelioration, technogenic landscape, reclamation, plant cover, spontaneous vegetation, environmental safety, quarry