Syntaxonomy of restoration vegetation in quarries in Central Polissya

Abstract

Syntaxonomy of restoration vegetation in quarry sites in Central Polissya of Ukraine, including 25 classes, 36 orders, 62 alliances, 116 associations, and two unranked communities, is presented. Based on the frequency of occurrence of vegetation plots, we have identified typical and atypical environments in existing and abandoned quarries. The classes Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Artemisietea vulgaris, Phragmiti-Magnocaricetea, Plantagenetea majoris, and Epilobietea angustifolii were found to be the most common. Predominance of the grassland stage in vegetation restoration under significant or moderate anthropogenic impact is demonstrated. The environmental factors and features of seed dispersal affect the mode and tempo of vegetation restoration in disturbed habitats of open pit mining. Meadow vegetation is predominant on the plateau around the zone of active production; herbaceous and woody plants penetrate the slopes simultaneously. Steep vertical outcrops of crystalline rocks for a long time remain uninhabited by higher vascular plants. Plants grow exclusively in the crevices of crystal blocks filled with loose rocks, soil, and small organic residues. On the slopes of loose sedimentary rocks, the meadow stage is not gradually transformed into the phanerophyte stage. The rate of vegetation restoration depends on the slope angle. Such successions form large ecotone areas due to numerous unfilled ecological niches in the quarry ecosystems. These areas are most vulnerable to the penetration of invasive plant species.