Soil biota in post-mining sites along a climatic gradient in the USA: Simple communities in shortgrass prairie recover faster than complex communities in tallgrass prairie and forest

摘要: Abstract Soil biota were studied at four post-mining areas along a climatic gradient in the USA. The natural climax vegetation was hardwood forest (TN, IN), tallgrass prairie (IL), or shortgrass (WY). Two chronosequences used each state, contained young (2–5 y) and old (15–20 y) site with area's vegetation. All sites sampled spring 2008 2011. Microbial biomass, microbial respiration, ergosterol, composition of community (using phospholipid fatty acids), soil nematodes macrofauna, chemistry, microstructure thin sections) studied. Total carbon nitrogen content increased successional age, while total phosphorus often greater than sites. biomass actinobacteria associated sites, fungi Root-feeding macroflora dominant Earthworms absent such but present wetter, eastern In chronosequences, other saprophages, litter transformers, microphagous groups also abundant. Absence saprophagous groups, especially earthworms, resulted absence bioturbation worm casts biogenic structures formed an important part profile chronosequences. Both restoration much closer to condition abundant root-feeding organisms, which may establish quicker more that one prairie, played role topsoil formation, result complex development compare contribute faster recovery communities comparison forest.