Production potential, biodiversity and soil properties of forest reclamations: Opportunities or risk of introduced coniferous tree species under climate change?

In the time of ongoing climate change and the increasing area of post-mining landscape, the successful afforestation of reclamation sites by suitable adaptive tree species is gaining in importance. One of possible ways may be the use of introduced tree species, which is, however, a controversial topic in relation to risks for forest management and nature conservation. The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the forest stands (age 48 years) of 9 introduced and 3 native coniferous tree species in lowland post-mining coal site of the Czech Republic. The research was focused on production potential, health status, resistance to climate change, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and soil properties. The highest timber production, biomass and carbon stock (49–95% above average), was observed in case of Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra and Pseudotsuga menziesii . On the other hand, unsuitable habitat, insect and pathogens caused poor health status and extremely low production parameters (by 55–62% than average) in Pinus strobus and P. rotundata . In terms of climate, Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra , Larix decidua , Pseudotsuga menziesii and Picea omorika were the most resistance tree species in relation to climatic extremes. Conversely, Pinus rotundata , P. strobus , P. ponderosa , Picea pungens and P. abies were very sensitive to climate events, especially to the lack of precipitation in vegetation period with synergism of high temperature. In terms of soil parameters, the content of plant available nutrients (K, Ca, Mg) was adequate except P deficiency. The highest soil reaction was detected for Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris (pH 6.9–7.1) compared to Picea mariana (pH 4.8). The benefits of “suitable” introduced tree species ( Pinus nigra, Pseudotsuga menziesii ) are high timber production potential and good adaptation and mitigation of the changing climate; however, native tree species ( Pinus sylvestris , Larix decidua ) can provide better environmental benefits on reclamation sites.