Positive effects of vegetation restoration on the soil properties of post-mining land

Aimes Vegetation restoration in post-mining land is one of the most important remediation strategies for rebuilding the soil carbon (C) pool and improving soil quality. We aimed to provide a global perspective on the effects of vegetation restoration on soil properties. Methods By analyzing a database of 2799 observations extracted from 160 publications, we quantitatively assessed the effects of vegetation restoration on soil C, water holding capacity, electronic conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil structure in post-mining land across the globe. Results The results showed that (1) vegetation restoration significantly increased soil organic C (SOC) stock (averagely + 112%), dissolved organic C (DOC) concentration (+ 141%), water content (SWC, + 40%), saturated water content (SSWC, + 40%), hairy tube holding water (HTHW, + 29%), CEC (+ 19%), and the concentrations of sand (+ 17%) and silt (+ 11%), while decreased the EC (-22%) and pH (-7.1%); (2) vegetation type could mediate the effects of vegetation restoration on HTHW, CEC, and sand and silt concentrations, while mineral type of metal mine influenced the effects of vegetation restoration on pH, CEC, bulk density, and sand and silt concentrations; and (3) plant diversity positively affected the effects of vegetation restoration on soil DOC concentration and pH, whilst the effects of soil depth, climate, and restoration year varied for different variables of soil properties. Conclusions These results suggested a critical role of vegetation restoration in the remediation of post-mining land.