Ecological-cenotic role of phytogenous fields of Scots pine on coal dumps

Abstract

Transformation of ecological factors on dumps of coal mines under the effect of Pinus sylvestris L. results in formation of three-zone phytogenous fields. The under-crown zone is characterized by a leveled temperature regime, low illumination, forest litter accumulation, and formation of abundant undergrowth. In the sufficiently moistened transitional zone, well-developed moss cover is formed, and the undergrowth occurrence is very low. The external zone, transitional to the background meadow communities, is characterized by well-formed grass cover, an abundance of species, and a group pattern of the undergrowth of P. sylvestris L. The reaction of herbaceous plants on the effect of phytogenous pine fields may be positive (adaptive) or negative. Most species are characterized by a negative reaction.