@article{2-s2.0-85184448307,

title = {Functional diversity of microbial communities in herbaceous vegetation patches in coal mine heaps},

author = { M. Malicka and W.M. Bierza and M. Szalbot and A. Kompała-Bąba and A. Błońska and F. Magurno and Z. Piotrowska-Seget and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85184448307&doi=10.1002%2fldr.5055&partnerID=40&md5=514fdcf0817d751b97b60e09a6312d13},

doi = {10.1002/ldr.5055},

issn = {10853278},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Land Degradation and Development},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {Coal mine heaps represent unique novel environments, suitable for studying plant succession and its influence on the activity of microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere. Our aim was to verify if the functional diversity and catabolic activity of soil microorganisms would increase along with the plant succession from non-vegetated and forbs-dominated to grass-dominated communities. The study was conducted on coal mine heaps located in Upper Silesia (Southern Poland), focusing on non-vegetated patches, patches dominated by forbs–Tussilago farfara and Daucus carota (in the early stages of succession), and by grasses–Poa compressa and Calamagrostis epigejos (in later stages of primary succession). The catabolic activity and functional diversity of soil microbial communities were analyzed based on community-level physiological profiles using BIOLOG EcoPlatesTM and the activity of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and urease. Our results showed that spontaneous vegetation on coal mine heaps strongly affects the physicochemistry of the substrate and the functional diversity of soil microbial communities. Grasses' rhizosphere was hosting more active and functional diversified microbial communities, while non-vegetated and T. farfara-vegetated patches were accompanied by a reduced development of soil microbiota. Furthermore, grasses were mainly associated with a substantial delivery of plant litter to the substrate, providing a source of carbon for microorganisms. © 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85177818021,

title = {Biomass Amounts of Spontaneous Vegetation on Post-Coal Mine Novel Ecosystem in Relation to Biotic Parameters},

author = { K. Ryś and D. Chmura and D. Prostański and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85177818021&doi=10.3390%2fen16227513&partnerID=40&md5=e1358a63203db00ea2c85a3c073f9e6c},

doi = {10.3390/en16227513},

issn = {19961073},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Energies},

volume = {16},

number = {22},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

abstract = {The amounts of biomass in ecosystems depends on the efficiency of energy gathering in organic chemical bonds by autotrophs, which are the only organisms that synthesize inorganic compounds into organic compounds structured into biomass. Plant species composition in the vegetation patch and the associated microorganism communities are factors that affect the matter and energy flow in the ecosystem. In human-established or severely transformed novel ecosystems, in particular in mineral-poor, oligotrophic habitats, the knowledge about the biotic parameters related to the biomass amount is very limited. The presented studies were performed on post-black coal mining heaps that provide the mineral material habitat. The following biotic parameters, the vegetation plant species composition of the distinguished vegetation types, soil organic matter, soil enzymatic activity, soil fauna presence, and the functional aspect of soil carbon release concerning amount of biomass are considered. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of the selected biotic factors on the biomass amount in the vegetation patches of the studied sites. The results showed that the effect of the species composition diversity on the biomass amount is complex. The influences of soil enzyme activity on biomass amount are dependent on the enzyme presence and the vegetation type. Similarly, the impact of the soil organic matter (SOM) on the biomass amount is significantly different and dependent on vegetation type. The relationship between the amount of biomass and respiration showed that the biomass of the dominant plant species is positively correlated with the biomass amount in the studied vegetation types. © 2023 by the authors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85175300401,

title = {The Soil Respiration of Coal Mine Heaps’ Novel Ecosystems in Relation to Biomass and Biotic Parameters},

author = { Ł. Radosz and D. Chmura and D. Prostański and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85175300401&doi=10.3390%2fen16207083&partnerID=40&md5=3e335b154615765dd8385c4eda9249ce},

doi = {10.3390/en16207083},

issn = {19961073},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Energies},

volume = {16},

number = {20},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},

abstract = {The biodiversity, including the diversity of autotrophic organisms of mostly plant species, assembled in vegetation patches and its impact on the course of ecosystem processes is still a key subject of research in natural sciences around the world. Certain aspects of the relationship between biodiversity and CO2 release processes have been studied only in some natural and semi-natural ecosystems (semi-natural ecosystems such as meadow or grasslands). In contrast, very little is known about the biotic parameters related to natural processes and the functioning of novel ecosystems. This study was performed on post-black coal mining heaps. The studied sites were established on carboniferous mineral material. Among the considered biotic parameters, the vegetation plant species composition, soil organic matter, soil enzymatic activity, soil fauna presence, and the plant species biomass were studied. The aim of the research was to analyse the influence of the selected biotic factors on the CO2 release from the mineral material of black coal mining heaps’ novel ecosystems. The range of CO2 release at the analysed sites was 0.00158–1.21462 [g CO2/m2/h]. The activity of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and basic phosphatase was positively correlated with the amount of CO2 released, however, there was no correlation between urease activity and CO2 emissions from the soil. In our study, a comparison of the soil organic matter developed under the vegetation types studied and CO2 release (rate) showed a dependence on vegetation type. The amount of biomass was not linearly correlated with CO2 release from the soil. The presence of soil fauna displayed a positive effect on CO2 release. © 2023 by the authors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85159353620,

title = {Plant Diversity and Species Composition in Relation to Soil Enzymatic Activity in the Novel Ecosystems of Urban–Industrial Landscapes},

author = { W.M. Bierza and J. Czarnecka and A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and A. Hutniczak and B. Jendrzejek and J. Bakr and A.M. Jagodziński and D. Prostański and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85159353620&doi=10.3390%2fsu15097284&partnerID=40&md5=e984f38d3215ef9e73a072a8a3437272},

doi = {10.3390/su15097284},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {15},

number = {9},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The primary producers and processes of matter and energy flow, reflected by the soil enzyme activity, are the basics of all ecosystem functioning processes. This paper reviews the relationships between the plant diversity, the physicochemical substrate parameters, and the soil enzymatic activity in novel ecosystems of the urban–industrial landscape, where the factors driving soil enzyme activity are not fully understood and still need to be studied. The relationship between the biotic and abiotic factors in the development of novel ecosystems on de novo established habitats, e.g., sites of post-mineral excavation, are shaped in ways unknown from the natural and the semi-natural habitats. The main criteria of de novo established ecosystems are the vegetation patches of the non-analogous species composition created as a result of human impact. The non-analogous species assemblages are associated with different microorganism communities because the biomass and the biochemistry of soil organic matter influence the enzyme activity of soil substrates. Moreover, the soil enzyme activity is an indicator that can dynamically reflect the changes in the microbial community structure dependent on the best-adapted plant species, thanks to the particular traits and individual adaptive adjustments of all the plant species present. This way, soil enzyme activity reflects the sum and the interactions of the elements of the ecosystem structure, irrespective of the vegetation history and the habitat origin. © 2023 by the authors.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85146054223,

title = {Physiological response of adult Salix aurita in wetland vegetation affected by flooding with As-rich fine pyrite particles},

author = { A. Szuba and E. Ratajczak and T. Leski and A.K. Jasińska and A. Hanć and A. Piechalak and G. Woźniak and A.M. Jagodziński},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85146054223&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2022.161197&partnerID=40&md5=4ae5b6223a09338d936c8fe5d2186b3e},

doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161197},

issn = {00489697},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Science of the Total Environment},

volume = {865},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {An uncontrolled, natural episode of flooding with waters contaminated with As-rich pyrite (FeAsS) particles caused serious ecological damage leading to necrosis of plants growing in a fresh wet meadow located in an area characterized by unique geological structures rich in arsenopyrites. One of the few plant species capable of surviving this event was Salix aurita L., which grew in numbers in the analyzed area, but individual plants were affected differently by toxic flooding. No significant phenotypic changes (Group I), through partial leaf and/or stem necrosis (Group II) up to necrosis of the whole parental plant and root suckers (Group III), were observed for various willow clumps. These varied phenotypic responses of S. aurita to As-rich sediments were compared with the biochemical status of the foliage of willow trees, and with their rhizosphere physiological parameters. Our in situ study revealed that the biochemical status of leaves reflects the phenotypic damage incurred by adult willows growing in their natural environment and affected by the flooding. In leaves of willows with increasingly negative phenotypic changes (Groups I → II → III) as well as increasing levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and decreased levels of glutathione and thiol groups were detected. Phytochelatins, commonly considered major As chelators, were not detected in S. aurita leaves. Despite a decrease in the size of leaves with the intensity of tree damage, all leaves expressed a normal level of leaf pigments. Phenotypic changes observed for particular willow clumps were only partly related to soil As levels. Moreover, As and S (but not Fe) foliar levels were related but did not correspond strictly with foliar biochemical features, or with soil As levels, soil pH or soil microbial activity, with the latter two drastically decreased in the rhizospheres of willows from Groups II and III. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85156137329,

title = {The Effect of Plant Diversity and Soil Properties on Soil Microbial Biomass and Activity in a Novel Ecosystem},

author = { W.M. Bierza and G. Woźniak and A. Kompała-Bąba and F. Magurno and M. Malicka and D. Chmura and A. Błońska and A.M. Jagodziński and Z. Piotrowska-Seget},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85156137329&doi=10.3390%2fsu15064880&partnerID=40&md5=a9e44f6c8cd6ece6521cdc2e09110f47},

doi = {10.3390/su15064880},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {15},

number = {6},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Plant–microbial relations have not yet been fully disclosed in natural or seminatural ecosys-tems, nor in novel ecosystems developing spontaneously on post-coal mine heaps. The aim of this study was to determine which factor, biotic (plant taxonomic diversity vs. plant functional diversity) or abiotic (physicochemical substrate parameters), affects the biomass of soil microbial communities the most, as well as soil in situ respiration in novel ecosystems. The study was carried out on unreclaimed plots selected according to four different combinations of taxonomic and functional plant diversity. Additionally, plots on a reclaimed heap served as a comparison between the two management types. The biomass of several soil microbial groups was analysed using phospholipid fatty acids profiles. We detected that soil microbial biomass was more impacted by abiotic parameters (explaining 23% of variance) than plant diversity (explaining 12% of variance). Particularly, we observed that substrate pH was the most important factor shaping microbial community biomass, as shown in the RDA analysis. The highest microbial biomass was found in plots with low taxonomic and functional diversity. This finding can be explained by the fact that these plots represented a more advanced phase of vegetation development in the early stages of plant succession. © 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85147968163,

title = {Taxonomic Diversity and Selection of Functional Traits in Novel Ecosystems Developing on Coal-Mine Sedimentation Pools},

author = { A. Kompała-Bąba and W. Bąba and K. Ryś and R. Hanczaruk and Ł. Radosz and D. Prostański and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85147968163&doi=10.3390%2fsu15032094&partnerID=40&md5=bede1595674dad498a8a49c68533e83a},

doi = {10.3390/su15032094},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {15},

number = {3},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Coal-mine sedimentation pools are extrazonal habitats in which the anthropogenic changes of all historic, abiotic, and biotic components, followed by conditions of extreme environmental stress, lead to the formation of novel ecosystems. Our study aims to (i) classify the vegetation on the basis of floristic and ecological criteria, (ii) detect the main environmental gradients responsible for the diversity of vegetation, and (iii) present the selection of species’ functional traits along environmental gradients. A cluster analysis of the floristic data revealed 14 distinct combinations of species. Short- and long-lived ruderals, meadow, xerothermic, and psammophilous species make up the floristic composition of vegetation. A canonical correspondence analysis on the floristic data and average Ellenberg’s indicator values confirmed moisture, soil reaction, and salinity as the main gradients, while fertility and insolation were secondary gradients shaping the diversity of vegetation. A RLQ with a subsequent cluster analysis revealed four groups of species traits selected along environmental gradients. These differed with reference to morphological (canopy height) and physiological traits (specific leaf area; or SLA), as well as persistence (life span), regeneration (reproduction by seeds or vegetative reproduction), and dispersal functional traits. This knowledge can be crucial when planning the restoration of these sites by using spontaneous succession and learning how the various environmental resources can be used to restore or provide new ecosystem services. © 2023 by the authors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85161638251,

title = {Native plant community characteristics explain alien species success in post-industrial vegetation},

author = { Q.A. Anibaba and M.K. Dyderski and G. Woźniak and A.M. Jagodziński},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85161638251&doi=10.3897%2fNEOBIOTA.85.97269&partnerID=40&md5=212f2d0264857dc5cb028acb4fa3decf},

doi = {10.3897/NEOBIOTA.85.97269},

issn = {16190033},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {NeoBiota},

volume = {85},

pages = {1-22},

publisher = {Pensoft Publishers},

abstract = {Biological invasions are one of the major challenges to the restoration of post-mining sites. Most postmining sites are under technical reclamation with only a few left to spontaneous vegetation processes. Therefore, we know little about alien plant species on spontaneously-vegetated post-coal mine heaps and how native community characteristics predict their establishment. To fill the knowledge gap, we aimed to determine the drivers of alien species colonisation on post-coal mine heaps. Specifically, we asked: (i) Which alien species are the most successful on post-coal mine heaps and why? (ii) What are the drivers of alien species richness and cover, and how are they affected by the native community? (iii) What does it mean for predicting threats from alien species and management? We recorded vascular plant species and their abundance across 400 plots on post-coal mine heaps in Upper Silesia, Poland. We calculated plant community taxonomic and functional characteristics and, using mixed-effects models, we estimated predictors of alien species richness and cover. We found 65 alien species on post-coal mine heaps, comprising 20.4% of all recorded species, including 36 neophytes and 29 archaeophytes. Amongst them – Erigeron canadensis, Solidago gigantea, Solidago canadensis, Erigeron annuus and Impatiens parviflora – were the most frequent on the studied heaps. We showed that native functional richness significantly predicts alien species richness and cover. Similarly, native community-weighted mean (CWM) seed mass and plant height predict alien species cover. However, CWM of specific leaf area for native species marginally predicts alien species richness. We showed that alien species cover decreases with native species cover. Our findings revealed the ecological significance of niche-filling and the biotic acceptance hypotheses on post-coal mine heaps. We demonstrated how exploring native community characteristics can help in understanding the invasibility and management of post-industrial vegetation. © Quadri A. Anibaba et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85146014144,

title = {How Important Are the Relations between Vegetation Diversity and Bacterial Functional Diversity for the Functioning of Novel Ecosystems?},

author = { G. Woźniak and M. Malicka and J. Kasztowski and Ł. Radosz and J. Czarnecka and J. Vangronsveld and D. Prostański},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85146014144&doi=10.3390%2fsu15010678&partnerID=40&md5=e1a6a09b2d182e11cf69dc5dcbec02c1},

doi = {10.3390/su15010678},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {15},

number = {1},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Understanding ecosystem development of post-mining areas requires observing the development of the plant and microbial communities. It is widely known that mutual interaction is important for both of these groups, and both benefit significantly. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the relation between the vegetation and functional diversity of bacterial communities in novel ecosystems of post-mining areas and to discuss the potential applicability of methods of studies of bacterial functional diversity in these ecosystems with special attention paid to the BIOLOG method. The functional diversity of microbial communities of five types of microhabitats of post-coal mining heap (Upper Silesia; Poland) was studied using the BIOLOG method. Four of them were covered by spontaneously developed vegetation (two dominated by grasses Calamagrostis epigejos and Poa compressa and two others by dicotyledonous species Daucus carota and Tussilago farfara). The results obtained for vegetated microhabitats were compared with the diversity of microbial communities from non-vegetated types of microhabitat. Our study confirmed that microbial functional diversity measured by the summed area under the curve for all substrates, the richness index, the Shannon-Wiener index and the evenness index mirrors aboveground vegetation diversity. All of these measures differ, especially between non-vegetated patches and grassland patches dominated by C. epigejos and P. compressa. © 2022 by the authors.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85131213769,

title = {Functional ecosystem parameters: Soil respiration and diversity of mite (Acari, Mesostigmata) communities after disturbance in a Late Cambrian bedrock environment},

author = { G. Woźniak and J. Kamczyc and W.M. Bierza and A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and E.M. Sierka and A.M. Jagodziński},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131213769&doi=10.1002%2fldr.4224&partnerID=40&md5=1f584ea811ad0124e582ab7955ff79ec},

doi = {10.1002/ldr.4224},

issn = {10853278},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Land Degradation and Development},

volume = {33},

number = {17},

pages = {3343-3357},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {We analyzed the changes in ecosystem functions (soil respiration and Mesostigmata mite abundance; species richness and diversity) on various habitats after flooding by highly mineralized and acidic drainage water with fine As-rich pyrite sediments, on a fragment of a natural ecosystem. In total, 177 plots that represented six types of habitats (undisturbed: pine mixed forests; Salix spp. thickets; Juncus effusus communities; wet meadows; and disturbed: bare ground and dead Salix spp. thickets) were sampled twice, in June 2019 and September 2020. Our study revealed that flooding affected essential ecosystem parameters, such as soil Mesostigmata mite abundance, species richness and diversity, and soil respiration, via an extreme decrease of soil pH. In total, 968 mites were collected from pooled data from the two samplings. Mite abundance, species richness and diversity were mainly shaped by habitat type and soil pH, and partially by soil respiration. These parameters were lower in disturbed habitats (bare ground and dead Salix spp. thickets) as compared with undisturbed ones. The highest mean mite density was recorded from mixed forests (4750 ± 600 ind. m−2) and wet meadows (2678 ± 361 ind. m−2), whereas the lowest in bare ground (449 ± 113 ind. m−2) and dead Salix spp. thickets (537 ± 146 ind. m−2). We noticed that mite diversity may be helpful to predict future changes in the physicochemical parameters of soils in disturbed areas. The vegetation patches built up by species adapted to grow in habitats characterized by relatively high metal and metalloid content (J. effusus and Salix spp.) represent an intermediate state of function of ecosystems in the study area. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85139962251,

title = {The Plant Species Composition of an Abandoned Meadow as an Element of an Ecosystem Mosaic within an Urban-Industrial Landscape},

author = { A. Błońska and D. Chmura and A. Hutniczak and Z. Wilczek and J. Jarosz and L. Besenyei and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85139962251&doi=10.3390%2fsu141911851&partnerID=40&md5=fd2341bb32cb54e505644404176fbeff},

doi = {10.3390/su141911851},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {14},

number = {19},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {The absence of traditional management in grasslands is responsible for the consequent changes in plant community species composition and diversity of this habitat in Europe. The common reason for these changes is the spread of expansive native species such as Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth and their subsequent dominance over other component species. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of management treatments (e.g.; mowing; harvesting biomass) and their frequency of application (e.g.; once or twice a year) on the cover abundance of C. epigejos (L.) Roth and the subsequent changes in component grassland species richness and diversity (Shannon–Wiener index) of an abandoned meadow in Silesia in S. Poland. A difference in species richness was found after five years of mowing, but an increase in species diversity appeared only after seven years of the treatments. Significant increases in species richness and Shannon–Wiener index and a significant decrease in cover abundance of C. epigejos (L.) Roth were recorded after different periods and for different treatments. © 2022 by the authors.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85138230333,

title = {Novel Ecosystems in the Urban-Industrial Landscape–Interesting Aspects of Environmental Knowledge Requiring Broadening: A Review},

author = { D. Chmura and A.M. Jagodziński and A. Hutniczak and A. Dyczko and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85138230333&doi=10.3390%2fsu141710829&partnerID=40&md5=4e6af9ee38012e9f5270972db658d5e6},

doi = {10.3390/su141710829},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {14},

number = {17},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Human activity is affecting and transforming the natural environment, changing the ecosystem mosaic and natural biogeochemical processes in urban-industrial landscapes. Among the anthropogenic ecosystems, there are many present features of Novel Ecosystems (NE), e.g., the de novo created habitats on post-mineral excavation sites. The biological nature of the functional mechanisms of Novel Ecosystems is mostly unknown. In natural and semi-natural ecosystems, biodiversity is considered as the primary element influencing ecosystem processes and functioning. The preliminary studies conducted on post-mineral excavation sites have shown that, in poor oligotrophic habitats, the species composition of the assembled vascular plants is non-analogous, distinctive, and not found in natural and semi-natural habitats. This paper aims to present the gaps between scientific identification of the biological mechanisms driving ecosystem processes and functioning (including the expanding areas of Novel Ecosystems created de novo). Among the identified gaps, the following issues should be listed. The detailed identification and understanding of the processes and biodiversity-dependent functioning of Novel Ecosystems is crucial for proper environmental management, particularly when facing the challenges of ecological constraints and of global change. The ecology of Novel Ecosystems is a social and economic issue because of the relationships with densely populated urban-industrial areas. © 2022 by the authors.},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85133248581,

title = {Post-Extraction Novel Ecosystems Support Plant and Vegetation Diversity in Urban-Industrial Landscapes},

author = { G. Woźniak and D. Chmura and T. Nowak and B. Bacler-Zbikowska and L. Besenyei and A. Hutniczak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133248581&doi=10.3390%2fsu14137611&partnerID=40&md5=0ca6b24e21e405b751c8a9d5ddc46fbc},

doi = {10.3390/su14137611},

issn = {20711050},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},

volume = {14},

number = {13},

publisher = {MDPI},

abstract = {Long-term exploitation of mineral resources has significantly changed the natural environment in urban-industrial landscapes. The changes on the surface of the extraction sites as a consequence of excavation of mineral resources provide specific mineral oligotrophic habitats on which plant species and thus vegetation can establish spontaneously. Some of these sites fulfill the prerequisites of novel ecosystems. This study was conducted on the spontaneous vegetation of post-extraction sites. Lists of species spontaneously covering these sites were prepared based on published data and our own records. This research revealed that species composition and vegetation types vary in time. These post-extraction novel ecosystems are also important for the presence of rare, endangered, and protected species noted in patches of different vegetation types. The variety of habitat conditions provided by these sites facilitates the occurrence of a wide spectrum of plants (both in terms of their socio-ecological origin and their ecological spectrum). This research proves how important these post-extraction novel ecosystems are for supporting plant and vegetation diversity in urban-industrial landscapes. Enhancing the biodiversity significantly increases the ecosystem services delivered by these sites and also the functioning of entire ecosystems. These natural processes on human habitats are essential in urban-industrial ecosystem landscape mosaics. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85129501466,

title = {How different is the forest on post-coal mine heap regarded as novel ecosystem?},

author = { G. Woźniak and D. Chmura and M.K. Dyderski and A. Błońska and A.M. Jagodziński},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129501466&doi=10.1016%2fj.foreco.2022.120205&partnerID=40&md5=3709ec6cc3f120442436aea7b1ae1c14},

doi = {10.1016/j.foreco.2022.120205},

issn = {03781127},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Forest Ecology and Management},

volume = {515},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Forests are the dominant terrestrial ecosystems on the Earth. During natural succession, a quite known pattern of changes occur (i.e.; the process of a gradual assemblage of plant species and associated organisms best adapted to the current habitat conditions). Much less is known about novel ecosystem establishment's primary spontaneous successional mechanisms due to human agency such as post-coal mine heaps habitats. The post-coal mine heaps are sites of pure mineral substrates and constrain (e.g.; temperature; acidity; drought; salinity) habitat conditions. These conditions are variable both in time and space. Regardless of all these constraints, diverse vegetation is soon spontaneously developing on these sites. A characteristic feature of the vegetation successional development on post-coal mine heaps is the emergence of non-analogous species assemblages when comparing to the natural and seminatural vegetation communities and ecosystems. This study aimed to compare the forest spontaneously developed on the mineral novel material habitat of the post-coal mining heap, with forests in the surrounding, on non-industrial habitats (located in Silesian Upland (South Poland)) in taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity at alpha (within-site) and beta (among sites) levels. The functional traits values of the recorded species composition were calculated to assess, e.g., the taxonomic alpha diversity Shannon's diversity and evenness index, Simpson index, functional richness (FRic), functional dispersion (FDis), functional divergence (FDA), and functional evenness (FEve). Rao's entropy has standardized the Biotic Novelty Index (BNI) to reflect the proportion of functional diversity contributed by novel species composition. The results revealed higher functional richness and dispersion in coniferous forests than in forests on heaps. The plots from coniferous forests and heaps were distinctly differentiated in terms of species composition. No difference occurred in functional evenness and divergence. Vegetation patches of coniferous forests had 19% higher species richness and twice higher Faith's phylogenetic diversity, while no differences in species diversity described by Shannon's diversity index have been recorded. An almost thirty times higher biological novelty index in forests on heaps than in coniferous forests patches has been recorded. The RLQ - analysis of relationships between plant traits, species composition and environmental variables revealed significant associations between EIVs and type of habitat and plant traits. The plant traits such as SLA and SM seem indifferent and do not differentiate the two studied habitats. The results showed that both understanding mechanisms by which these habitats are shaped and recognizing their biological potential and values are essential for nature conservation and management and challenge future studies. © 2022},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85117454929,

title = {Eco-physiological responses of Calamagrostis epigejos L (Roth) and Solidago gigantea Aition to complex environmental stresses in coal-mine spoil heaps},

author = { A. Kompała-Bąba and E.M. Sierka and W.M. Bierza and W. Bąba and A. Błońska and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85117454929&doi=10.1002%2fldr.4119&partnerID=40&md5=2ba248fc0db9639c0b2e133891d65b9d},

doi = {10.1002/ldr.4119},

issn = {10853278},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Land Degradation and Development},

volume = {32},

number = {18},

pages = {5427-5442},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {We present a study of short and long-term responses of photosynthetic apparatus and anti-oxidant capacity to complex abiotic stresses of Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago gigantea commonly occurring in seminatural habitats and novel ecosystems of coal-mine spoil heaps. Drought/salinity and elevated temperature were dominant abiotic stressors triggering both species- and habitat-specific responses, confirmed by ChlF induction curves analysis. Although in both species a decrease in net photosynthetic rate (A) and transpiration rate (E) in spoil heap were observed, Ce showed higher (A) on both habitats in comparison to Sg. Moreover, we found higher H2O2 concentration in Sg leaves as compared to Ce leaves, large differences in catalase (CAT) activity and the reverse pattern of lipid peroxidation in Sg and Ce populations, suggesting species-specific differences in antioxidative mechanisms. The Sg individuals developed structural and functional adaptations to protect PSA against drought/salinity stresses (lower leaf chlorophyll; higher flavonoids content; ChlF parameters: Vi; Vj; dVG/dto). The Ce populations have higher values of JIP parameters related to the electron transfer site within PSI. Mechanisms of plant species adaptation to industrial areas are crucial for species selection and planning effective reclamation of them. In novel ecosystems of spoil heaps both species responded differently to complex abiotic stresses in comparison to seminatural ones that enable them to gain success on both sites. They can spontaneously colonize such areas, create permanent plant cover, and produce large amounts of biomass. Further research on plant traits response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses on industrial habitats are needed. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85102073693,

title = {The role of plants and soil properties in the enzyme activities of substrates on hard coal mine spoil heaps},

author = { A. Kompała-Bąba and W.M. Bierza and E.M. Sierka and A. Błońska and L. Besenyei and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85102073693&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-021-84673-0&partnerID=40&md5=b63037ff6049c575134c9a85ee630100},

doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-84673-0},

issn = {20452322},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {11},

number = {1},

publisher = {Nature Research},

abstract = {Knowledge about biotic (plant species diversity; biomass) and/or abiotic (physicochemical substrate parameters) factors that determine enzyme activity and functional diversity of the substrate on hard coal spoil heaps is limited. Spontaneously developed vegetation patches dominated by herbaceous species commonly occurring on these spoil heaps: grasses (Poa compressa; Calamagrostis epigejos) and forbs (Daucus carota; Tussilago farfara), were examined. The activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was twice as high in plots dominated by grass species compared with those dominated by forbs. Significant positive correlations were found between the activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase with pH, available P, soil moisture, and water holding capacity and negative correlations between the activity of urease and soil organic carbon. Strong positive correlations were found between values for Shannon–Wiener diversity index, evenness, species richness and soil functional diversity in plots dominated by grasses. We found that the soil physicochemical parameters had a greater impact on enzyme activity of the substrate than plant biomass and species diversity. However, grasses, through their extensive root system, more effectively increased enzyme activity and health of the substrate than other herbaceous species, and as they stabilize the substrate and form dense plant cover, they can be recommended for reclamation purposes. © 2021, The Author(s).},

note = {17},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85102137323,

title = {Stream water chemistry changes in response to deforestation of variable origin (case study from the Carpathians, southern Poland)},

author = { M. Sajdak and J.P. Siwek and K. Wasak-Sęk and A. Kosmowska and T. Stańczyk and S. Małek and M. Żelazny and G. Woźniak and Ł. Jelonkiewicz and M. Żelazny},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85102137323&doi=10.1016%2fj.catena.2021.105237&partnerID=40&md5=f6e08ce43119eb3d27adcf5475f9dc2e},

doi = {10.1016/j.catena.2021.105237},

issn = {03418162},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Catena},

volume = {202},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of deforestation of variable origin on the stream water chemistry, with a special focus on the NO3– ion. The research was conducted in 8 small catchments in the Tatra Mountains and 7 small catchments in the Beskid Śląski Mountains (the Carpathians; Poland). Relevant deforestation events occurred in the Beskid Śląski Mountains in the 1980s and 1990s, and were caused by intense acidic atmospheric deposition in the 1970s and 1980s, while tree stands in the Tatra Mountains were damaged abruptly by hurricane-force winds in 2013 and gradually by the bark beetle since the late 1990s. We show the key role of deforestation in the concentration of base cations (Ca2+; Mg2+), base anions (SO42-; HCO3–), and NO3– in stream water in catchments affected by acidic deposition. The lack of forest reduces the release of Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3– due to lower weathering rates in deforested areas than in forested areas. The absence of trees capable of absorbing atmospheric SO42- and NO3– in deforested catchments leads to a higher proportion of stream water SO42- and NO3– in the anion total than in forested catchments. The time passed since deforestation and degree of deforestation play a key role in NO3– concentration in stream water. The highest concentrations of NO3– were noted in stream water in freshly and fully hurricane-deforested catchments in the Tatra Mountains. The stream water NO3– concentration was markedly lower in a beetle-deforested catchment where only 40% of the forest had become damaged while the lowest NO3– concentrations were noted in more than 60% forested catchments. The most distinct seasonal changes in NO3– concentrations in stream water and in soils were noted in freshly and fully hurricane-deforested catchments. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85105478282,

title = {Is the age of novel ecosystem the factor driving arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in poa compressa and calamagrostis epigejos?},

author = { G. Woźniak and D. Chmura and E. Małkowski and P. Zieleźnik-Rusinowska and K. Sitko and B. Ziemer and A. Błońska},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85105478282&doi=10.3390%2fplants10050949&partnerID=40&md5=27acd0c14d3bf379d322763479c460ef},

doi = {10.3390/plants10050949},

issn = {22237747},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Plants},

volume = {10},

number = {5},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {Some sites transformed or created by humans (novel ecosystem) are different both in vegetation and ecosystems establishment and development. The unknown habitat conditions and new species composition is resulting in new abiotic and biotic systems. To improve the understanding of the process governing the relationships between the environmental factors, plant species assemblages and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation were studied in chronosequence on post-coal mine heaps. We hypothesized that AMF root colonization will be dependent on the age of heap and not on the dominant plant species (vegetation type). The high frequency of mycorrhizal colonization of roots (F%) of Poa compressa-and Calamagrostis epigejos-dominated vegetation type was stated. All mycorrhizal parameters were lower in C. epigejos roots when compared to P. compressa (ranging from 60% to 90%). The highest relative mycorrhizal intensity, M%, and mean abundance of arbuscula, A%, in the roots of both examined plants were recorded in vegetation patches dominated by Daucus carota. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between F%, M%, and A%, and lack of correlation between the heaps’ age and mycorrhizal parameters, and statistically significant correlations between A% and potassium and magnesium content were revealed. The interspecific relations in the novel ecosystems become more complex along with the increase of diversity. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85097811034,

title = {Cell wall epitopes in grasses of different novel ecosystem habitats on post-industrial sites},

author = { A. Milewska-Hendel and D. Chmura and K. Wyrwał and E.U. Kurczyńska and A. Kompała-Bąba and A.M. Jagodziński and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85097811034&doi=10.1002%2fldr.3786&partnerID=40&md5=b91f178a948f1d4383600818a1c0b390},

doi = {10.1002/ldr.3786},

issn = {10853278},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Land Degradation and Development},

volume = {32},

number = {4},

pages = {1680-1694},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {The post-industrial habitats provide previously unknown conditions for plant and vegetation development. We asked the question: do the extreme soil substrate conditions cause differences in chemical composition of cell walls of leaves in three grass species: Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, and Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench? With the use of immunohistochemical methods we determined the spatial distribution of selected pectic and AGP (arabinogalactan proteins) epitopes within leaf tissues of grass species growing in two industrial and control (meadow) habitats. Some post-industrial habitats increase biodiversity. Fast adaptation and divergence cause phenotypic changes. This process has been recently recorded and is called human-induced rapid evolutionary changes. The levels of pectins and arabinogalactan proteins increased on the post-industrial habitats in comparison to the control sites. On control habitat, pectic epitope with galactan chain residues (recognised by the LM5 antibody) was not detected in cell walls of Calamagrostis epigejos leaves, but was abundantly present in Phragmites australis leaves. The pectic epitope with arabinan residues (recognized by LM6 antibody) was less represented in cell walls of Molinia caerulea leaves. AGP epitope, recognised by LM2 antibody, was abundant only in Ph. australis. In Molinia caerulea this epitope was not detected. The AGP epitope recognised by JIM13 antibody was observed in all analysed species. The results obtained revealed the response of grass individuals to different environments: a) varied responses to different soil substratum conditions (novel ecosystems), and b) that this reaction is species-specific with respect to the analysed cell wall components. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85096806191,

title = {Use of remote sensing to track postindustrial vegetation development},

author = { G. Woźniak and M.K. Dyderski and A. Kompała-Bąba and A.M. Jagodziński and A. Pasierbiński and A. Błońska and W.M. Bierza and F. Magurno and E.M. Sierka},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096806191&doi=10.1002%2fldr.3789&partnerID=40&md5=168e88b52508be1da4bf7c59c3d591f7},

doi = {10.1002/ldr.3789},

issn = {10853278},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Land Degradation and Development},

volume = {32},

number = {3},

pages = {1426-1439},

publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},

abstract = {The effects of natural processes on deposited mineral material of postindustrial sites is underestimated. Natural vegetation development on mineral material substratum is an unappreciated way of site management. Due to the classification-based approach to assembly of plant community diversity, remote sensing methods have limited application. We aimed to assess whether remotely sensed data allow for building predictive models, able to recognise vegetation variability along the main gradients of species composition. We assessed vegetation in 321 study plots on four coal-mine spoil heaps in Silesia (S Poland). We determined the main gradients of species composition using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and we identified how DCA scores describe vegetation variability. DCA axes explained 38.5%, 35.4%, 31.4%, and 20.1% of species composition variability. We built machine learning models of DCA scores using multispectral satellite images and airborne laser scanning data as predictors. We obtained good predictive power of models for the first two DCA axes (R2 = 0.393 and 0.443; root mean square errors; RMSE = 0.571 and 0.526) and low power for the third and fourth DCA axes (R2 = 0.216 and 0.064; RMSE = 0.513 and 0.361). These scores allowed us to prepare a vegetation map based on DCA scores, and distinguish meadow-like from forest-edge-like vegetation, and to identify thermophilous and highly productive vegetation patches. Our approach allowed us to account for species composition gradients, which improved remote sensing-based vegetation surveys. This method may be used for planning future management. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85100321789,

title = {Dominikia bonfanteae and Glomus atlanticum, two new species in the Glomeraceae (phylum Glomeromycota) with molecular phylogenies reconstructed from two unlinked loci},

author = { J. Błaszkowski and P. Niezgoda and S. Zubek and E. Meller and P. Milczarski and M. Malicka and B.T. Goto and G. Woźniak and H. Moreira and F. Magurno},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85100321789&doi=10.1007%2fs11557-020-01659-4&partnerID=40&md5=f839360a98349d2d8529339e52e25896},

doi = {10.1007/s11557-020-01659-4},

issn = {1617416X},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Mycological Progress},

volume = {20},

number = {2},

pages = {131-148},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},

abstract = {Examination of morphological characters of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; phylum Glomeromycota), which produced clusters with glomoid spores in single-species cultures, suggested that they were undescribed species, one belonging to the genera Dominikia, Microdominikia or Kamienskia, and one to the genus Glomus. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuc rDNA small subunit (18S), internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and large subunit (28S) (= 18S-ITS-28S) region, of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) gene, as well as of concatenated sequences of these two loci (18S-ITS-28S + RPB1) confirmed our hypotheses and proved that both fungi were new species, here described as Dominikia bonfanteae sp. nov. and Glomus atlanticum sp. nov., respectively. In nature, D. bonfanteae was found in a plant community on the shore of Kokotek pond II (Lubliniec in the Silesian Upland; Poland). Glomus atlanticum originated from the Dunes of Aguda Park (Northern Portugal). The phylogenetic position of these new species and their close family relatives within the Glomeraceae were compared and discussed depending on the sequence alignment analysed. This paper for the first time shows the phylogeny of AMF reconstructed from analyses of two concatenated unlinked loci: 18S-ITS-28S plus RPB1. The partial RPB1 gene of D. bonfanteae was amplified using newly designed primers. © 2021, German Mycological Society and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85075780323,

title = {Do the dominant plant species impact the substrate and vegetation composition of post-coal mining spoil heaps?},

author = { A. Kompała-Bąba and E.M. Sierka and M.K. Dyderski and W.M. Bierza and F. Magurno and L. Besenyei and A. Błońska and K. Ryś and A.M. Jagodziński and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85075780323&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecoleng.2019.105685&partnerID=40&md5=15d317e8b64a797f849978cd1d229f94},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2019.105685},

issn = {09258574},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Engineering},

volume = {143},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Dominant species influence both species and functional composition of the vegetation as well as soil properties of the substrate. However, knowledge about the role played by dominant species in the process of shaping their habitat within post-industrial ecosystems is still limited. We aimed to assess the impact of four dominant species (Calamagrostis epigejos; Daucus carota; Poa compressa and Tussilago farfara) on soil abiotic and biotic properties, and to detect differences in species and functional composition of the vegetation types studied. We hypothesized that (1) dominant species of higher mean biomass cause lower aboveground biodiversity and (2) dominant species of higher mean biomass have a higher impact than the others on soil properties. We measured soil chemistry (TOC; N; P; K; Na; Mg content; EC; pH and enzyme activities) as well as biomass, species diversity and functional diversity of vegetation on 15 study plots (28.3 m2) for each species studied. The DCA analysis revealed a clear distinction between the patches dominated by studied species. Vegetation patches dominated by Calamagrostis epigejos were correlated with amount of biomass, canopy height CWM and specific leaf CWM. Patches dominated by Daucus carota were related to the light requirements (EIV-L), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and K content. The vegetation patches dominated by Poa compressa were related to dehydrogenase activity, higher Mg content and species richness of the vegetation patches. The highest TOC content was recorded for T. farfara substrates, and the lowest for C. epigejos substrates. The content of potassium does not differ statistically significantly in the substrates from sites dominated by D. carota and P. compressa. The highest values of Mg content were recorded for D. carota and were statistically different from Poa compressa sites, while the higher phosphorus content (statistically significantly different) was recorded for patches dominated by T. farfara and P. compressa. Despite our assumptions, the species with the highest mean biomass (Calamagrostis epigejos) did not cause lower species or functional diversity. In contrast, Tussilago farfara has the highest impact on postindustrial site habitats on coal mine heaps, as extreme values of four soil substratum parameters were recorded on these plots. This species also decreased both species and functional diversity of vegetation. The knowledge about relationship existing between plants (aboveground vegetation) and soil organisms seems important in order to undertake suitable reclamation measures and to restore variety of functions as well as to create diverse vegetation based on native species. © 2019},

note = {14},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85062639985,

title = {Vegetation diversity on coal mine spoil heaps – how important is the texture of the soil substrate?},

author = { A. Kompała-Bąba and W.M. Bierza and A. Błońska and E.M. Sierka and F. Magurno and D. Chmura and L. Besenyei and Ł. Radosz and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85062639985&doi=10.2478%2fs11756-019-00218-x&partnerID=40&md5=9f576e90a452816424f3e8a94412e957},

doi = {10.2478/s11756-019-00218-x},

issn = {00063088},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Biologia},

volume = {74},

number = {4},

pages = {419-436},

publisher = {De Gruyter},

abstract = {The relationship between the size of the particle fractions of the soil substrate and the diversity of the spontaneously developing vegetation was investigated on coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (Southern Poland). The analyses were based on 2567 research plots of developed spontaneous vegetation and their associated soil substrate samples collected from 112 coal mine spoil heaps. For each research plot the prevailing particle size fraction was determined (stones; gravel; sand; silt), the species composition and abundance was recorded and the species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), Simpson (C) and Evenness (E) indices were used to determine species diversity. From a total of 119 research plots (in all particle size fraction categories), the values of 15 physicochemical properties (pH; electrical conductivity; water holding capacity; moisture; carbon content; total N; available P; Mg and exchange cations Ca; Mg; K; Na; fine particles (%); gravel (%); stone (%)) were obtained to asses their impact on the floristic composition of vegetation patches using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Additionally, functional traits of the dominant species of each vegetation patch (life forms; life strategies and socio-ecological groups), were selected to analyse their relation to substrate texture. It was shown that the highest species richness and the highest values for Shannon-Wiener diversity index, as well as Simpson and Evenness indices, were obtained in plots formed on stones. Moreover, the greatest variation in the participation of species representing different habitats, life forms, and life strategies was found on gravelly substrates. Contrary to our expectations, the vegetation diversity (in terms of both species and their functional traits) was not highest in habitats with a high composition of fine size particles. © 2019, The Author(s).},

note = {29},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85058948957,

title = {How autochthonous microorganisms influence physiological status of Zea mays L. cultivated on heavy metal contaminated soils?},

author = { S. Rusinowski and A. Szada-Borzyszkowska and P. Zieleźnik-Rusinowska and E. Małkowski and J. Krzyżak and G. Woźniak and K. Sitko and M. Szopiński and J.P. McCalmont and H.M. Kalaji and M. Pogrzeba},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058948957&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-018-3923-9&partnerID=40&md5=ed246b6eba8d11082baf8d65cc55c8ed},

doi = {10.1007/s11356-018-3923-9},

issn = {09441344},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research},

volume = {26},

number = {5},

pages = {4746-4763},

publisher = {Springer Verlag},

abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of autochthonous microorganisms present in soil collected from heavy metal (HM) uncontaminated (Pb ≈ 59 mg kg −1 ; Cd ≈ 0.4 mg kg −1 ; Zn ≈ 191 mg kg −1 ), moderately (Pb ≈ 343 mg kg −1 ; Cd ≈ 12 mg kg −1 ; Zn ≈ 1876 mg kg −1 ), and highly (Pb ≈ 1586 mg kg −1 ; Cd ≈ 57 mg kg −1 ; Zn ≈ 3280 mg kg −1 ) contaminated sites on Zea mays elemental composition, physiological status, and growth parameters. For this purpose, half of the collected soil was sterilized and soil characterization was performed. After 45 days of cultivation, the presence of HM in the soil negatively affected photosynthesis and transpiration rates, relative chlorophyll content, anthocyanins index, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and content of oxidative stress products (H 2 O 2 and Malondialdehyde) of Zea mays, while soil sterilization had a positive effect on those parameters. Average percentage of colonization of root segments by arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi decreased with an increase of HM contamination in the soil. The increase in shoot concentration of HMs, particularly Cd and Zn, was a result of contaminated soils sterilization. Aboveground biomass of maize cultivated on sterilized soil was 3-fold, 1.5-fold, and 1.5-fold higher for uncontaminated, moderately contaminated and highly contaminated soils respectively when compared to nonsterilized soils. Contrary to our expectation, autochthonous microflora did not improve plant growth and photosynthetic performance; in fact, they had a negative effect on those processes although they did reduce concentration of HMs in the shoots grown on contaminated soils. © 2018, The Author(s).},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85062723495,

title = {Glomalin gene as molecular marker for functional diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil},

author = { F. Magurno and M. Malicka and K. Posta and G. Woźniak and E. Lumini and Z. Piotrowska-Seget},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85062723495&doi=10.1007%2fs00374-019-01354-x&partnerID=40&md5=3e6b1c250d6b2f433e83e0599d5eda31},

doi = {10.1007/s00374-019-01354-x},

issn = {01782762},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Biology and Fertility of Soils},

publisher = {Springer Verlag},

abstract = {Among the ecological services provided by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the process of soil aggregation is hypothesized to be partially mediated by glomalin, an alkaline-soluble glycoprotein released by AM fungi into soil during hyphal turnover and after the death of the fungus in the soil. The protein is characterized by abundant production and hydrophobic properties. Although glomalin has been identified in Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM 197198 as a putative homolog of heat shock protein 60, the use of expressed fungal genes encoding glomalin as a marker for functional AMF diversity was never exploited. The present work describes the first attempt to identify the glomalin gene in several AMF species, verify its reliability as gene marker for the identification and discrimination of AMF, and test the possibility to detect its expression in soil. We designed a specific PCR primers set able to amplify many known lineages of AMF glomalin gene. We demonstrated its applicability to create a new reference glomalin sequence dataset for comparative sequence analysis. The designed primer set was successfully used to amplify glomalin transcript from soil cDNA template. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.},

note = {14},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85058434046,

title = {Impact of selected plant species on enzymatic activity of soil substratum on post-mining heaps},

author = { A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and E.M. Sierka and L. Besenyei and F. Magurno and K. Frydecka and W.M. Bierza and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058434046&doi=10.12911%2f22998993%2f93867&partnerID=40&md5=15197b63b0b8bf6eda34096f93d93909},

doi = {10.12911/22998993/93867},

issn = {2081139X},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecological Engineering},

volume = {20},

number = {1},

pages = {138-144},

publisher = {Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE)},

abstract = {The natural mineral resources (hard coal; sands; dolomites; lead and zinc ores) found in the Silesia and the excavation of them led to significant transformation or even degradation of the environment. The landscape of Upper Silesia was dominated by heaps created as a result of the accumulation of post-mining coal waste. These post-industrial sites are characterised by difficult conditions for the development of plant communities. Nevertheless, the heaps are spontaneously overgrowing and over time, a separate ecosystem can be observed (for heaps). The article analyzes the enzymatic activity of the substrate in relation to the selected dominant grass (Monocots) and herbaceous (Dicots) plant species. The aim of this study was to compare the activity of particular enzymes in soil substratum of the vegetation patches dominated by grass and herbaceous plants. © 2019 Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE).},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85058239805,

title = {Diversity of vegetation dominated by selected grass species on coal-mine spoil heaps in terms of reclamation of post-industrial areas},

author = { A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and E.M. Sierka and W.M. Bierza and F. Magurno and L. Besenyei and K. Ryś and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058239805&doi=10.12911%2f22998993%2f93870&partnerID=40&md5=03aee24aad7cc818b78174320f6620da},

doi = {10.12911/22998993/93870},

issn = {2081139X},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Ecological Engineering},

volume = {20},

number = {2},

pages = {209-217},

publisher = {Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE)},

abstract = {Grasses have a considerable potential for the adaptation to various, often extreme, habitat conditions. The aim of the work was to present the vegetation diversity of the coal-mine spoil heaps with the dominant share of grasses and to identify the main factors responsible for this diversity in the aspect of post-industrial land reclamation. The communities differ in reference to the species preferences to light, moisture, soil fertility and reaction, which is reflected in the wide variety of microhabitats in the area. It was shown that the increase in the abundance of certain grass species, including Calamagrostis epigejos, Festuca rubra, Festuca arundinacea, Phragmites australis, has a significant negative impact on the species richness, species diversity and the uniformity of distribution of species of the plant community. Preliminary analyses revealed that on post-mining waste, the biomass production of the dominant species is negatively correlated with biodiversity. The knowledge about the biology and ecology of grass species, as well as on the assembly rules may be used in the reclamation of degraded areas. Gaining the knowledge about the vegetation diversity of the coal-mine spoil heaps with the dominant share of grasses can be useful in planning the reclamation works, taking into account natural processes, which leads to the creation of a permanent vegetation cover at a given site, protecting it against water or wind erosion. In the future these areas may provide a number of important ecosystem services. © 2018, Polish Society of Ecological Engineering (PTIE).},

note = {11},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85034211337,

title = {Biominerals and waxes of Calamagrostis epigejos and Phragmites australis leaves from post-industrial habitats},

author = { E. Talik and A. Guzik and E. Małkowski and G. Woźniak and E.M. Sierka},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85034211337&doi=10.1007%2fs00709-017-1179-8&partnerID=40&md5=83e71fe0846a0a67b3ca4c2fbbfd4721},

doi = {10.1007/s00709-017-1179-8},

issn = {0033183X},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Protoplasma},

volume = {255},

number = {3},

pages = {773-784},

publisher = {Springer-Verlag Wien},

abstract = {Vascular plants are able to conduct biomineralization processes and collect synthesized compounds in their internal tissues or to deposit them on their epidermal surfaces. This mechanism protects the plant from fluctuations of nutrient levels caused by different levels of supply and demand for them. The biominerals reflect both the metabolic characteristics of a vascular plant species and the environmental conditions of the plant habitat. The SEM/EDX method was used to examine the surface and cross-sections of the Calamagrostis epigejos and Phragmites australis leaves from post-industrial habitats (coal and zinc spoil heaps). The results from this study have showed the presence of mineral objects on the surfaces of leaves of both grass species. The calcium oxalate crystals, amorphous calcium carbonate spheres, and different silica forms were also found in the inner tissues. The high variety of mineral forms in the individual plants of both species was shown. The waxes observed on the leaves of the studied plants might be the initializing factor for the crystalline forms and structures that are present. For the first time, wide range of crystal forms is presented for C. epigejos. The leaf samples of P. australis from the post-industrial areas showed an increased amount of mineral forms with the presence of sulfur. © 2017, The Author(s).},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84982659158,

title = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) root colonization dynamics of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench. in grasslands and post-industrial sites},

author = { W. Bąba and A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and Ł. Małkowski and B. Ziemer and E.M. Sierka and T. Nowak and G. Woźniak and L. Besenyei},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84982659158&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecoleng.2016.07.013&partnerID=40&md5=a9f2bf346f91876bbbed262b1df90348},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.07.013},

issn = {09258574},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Engineering},

volume = {95},

pages = {817-827},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The aims of this studies were: (i) to examine the influence of heavy metal content (Zn; Cd; Pb; Fe; Cu) and other physico-chemical soil parameters on the level of root colonization of Molinia caerulea and (ii) to relate root colonisation parameters and soil variables to Molinia caerulea abundance in two contrasting habitats (grasslands and heavy metal contaminated sites). The sites differ significantly in terms of bio-available heavy metal contents, particularly Zn (34 times more than grasslands), soil texture, CaCO3, organic matter (LOI%), Mg and nitrate content. Principal Component Analysis showed the strong negative correlations between frequency of mycorrhization (F), arbuscular abundance (A%) and intensity of root cortex colonisation (M%) and concentration of bio-available Zn and Cd. Moreover, no positive correlation between root colonization of Molinia and its abundance was found. The frequency of mycorrhization of root fragments (F%) was only slightly different between these two habitats, whereas the intensity of root cortex colonisation (M%) and relative arbuscular abundance (A%) were significantly lower (3 and 4 times respectively) on the post-industrial sites. The bioavailable Zn content in the substratum of post-industrial sites was strongly negatively correlated with species richness, Shannon diversity index and Evenness. In contrast, these relationships were not statistically significant in grasslands. Based on obtained results we could draw a model of possible relationships between root colonization of Molinia, HM content and Molinia abundance on grasslands and post-industrial sites. Bioavailable Zn content in the soil is a one of main factors influencing the Molinia community diversity. In the grasslands, lower amounts of bioavailable Zn, resulted in higher species richness (R) and species diversity (H) which in turn lead to higher root colonization. On the other hand, on the post-industrial sites, the elevated bioavailable Zn content strongly decreases the plant species richness (R) and species diversity (H) and this caused the decline in root colonization parameters. The low species richness on Zn-polluted sites allowed Molinia to reach higher abundance since the competition with other species is reduced. © 2016},

note = {13},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84945469350,

title = {Links in the functional diversity between soil microorganisms and plant communities during natural succession in coal mine spoil heaps},

author = { A. Markowicz and G. Woźniak and S. Borymski and Z. Piotrowska-Seget and D. Chmura},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84945469350&doi=10.1007%2fs11284-015-1301-3&partnerID=40&md5=ed2138c5482a3b345d7d8e3a0aef24b9},

doi = {10.1007/s11284-015-1301-3},

issn = {09123814},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Research},

volume = {30},

number = {6},

pages = {1005-1014},

publisher = {Springer Tokyo},

abstract = {The successful establishment of vegetation, soil development and biogeochemical cycling during the restoration process of mine tailings requires a diverse and metabolically active microbial communities. The objective of this study was to test whether there is any link between the functional groups of both the dominant plant species and soil microbial communities on unreclaimed coal mine spoil heaps of different age located in the Silesian Upland (Poland). At each sampling site the dominant plant species were recorded and characterised based on their Raunkiaer’s life form, socio-ecological group and their potential to form mycorrhiza. The functional diversity of the plant-associated microbial communities was assessed using the microbial carbon-utilisation guilds generated using the Biolog method. We observed no differences in the microbial functional diversity, but a gradual increase in the plant functional diversity with the age of the heap. Our results indicate that trees, plants with the potential to form ectomycorrhiza, and deciduous plants strongly affected the carbon-utilisation profiles. The mean proportion of microbe guilds in dominant plant patches accounts for 60 % of the variance while the soil physicochemical parameters explained only 30 % of the variance. This suggest that in post-industrial habitats the biotic features of the soil substratum are more important for the vegetation development than the abiotic parameters. © 2015, The Author(s).},

note = {24},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84937216727,

title = {Effects of Calamagrostis epigejos, Chamaenerion palustre and Tussilago farfara on nutrient availability and microbial activity in the surface layer of spoil heaps after hard coal mining},

author = { A.M. Stefanowicz and P. Kapusta and A. Błońska and A. Kompała-Bąba and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84937216727&doi=10.1016%2fj.ecoleng.2015.06.034&partnerID=40&md5=177b49e148577194204b46337fd345a5},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2015.06.034},

issn = {09258574},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Engineering},

volume = {83},

pages = {328-337},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {This study examined three herbaceous plant species, namely Calamagrostis epigejos, Chamaenerion palustre and Tussilago farfara spontaneously colonizing spoil heaps after hard (bituminous) coal mining for their effects on selected physico-chemical and microbial parameters of the spoil material. The parameters were measured for plots of C. epigejos, C. palustre, T. farfara and controls (bare ground) established on heaps belonging to two age categories: 5-10 and 15-20 years from the end of spoil heaping. The spoil material was characterized by varying pH values (from 4.0 to 9.1), high content of total C (10.3±3.8%), deficiency of other nutrients (1.04±0.76mg N-NO3kg-1; 2.16±1.07mgOlsenPkg-1; 572±163mgexchangeableCakg-1) and low respiration rate (0.64±0.34μMCO2gdwt-124h-1). The spoils under the plants had less N-NO3 and more exchangeable Ca and K, available (Olsen) P and total C than the spoils from non-vegetated plots. The effect for the latter three variables was species-dependent. Electrical conductivity and N-NO3 concentrations were lower in the spoils from the older heaps than those from the younger ones, while the opposite effect was found for N-NH4 and Ca concentrations. The spoils from the vegetated plots supported more active and richer microbial communities than the bare spoils. This effect was strong, especially for the older heaps. Microbial respiration was the highest under C. palustre; it averaged 0.92±0.31μMCO2gdwt-124h-1, i.e., 2.6 times more than in the bare spoils. Microbial communities studied with Biolog plates were more active and utilized a higher number of carbon substrates under the plants than in the bare spoils. T. farfara differed considerably from the two other species in the structure of microbial communities (the metabolic fingerprint) it supported. Overall, the results show that the three plant species significantly affected nutrient availability and enhanced microbial performance in the coal mine spoil material. Since these plants effectively colonize industrial waste sites, they can be recommended for use in reclamation programs. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {22},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84946717905,

title = {The relationship between successional vascular plant assemblages and associated microbial communities on coal mine spoil heaps},

author = { G. Woźniak and A. Markowicz and S. Borymski and Z. Piotrowska-Seget and D. Chmura and L. Besenyei},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84946717905&doi=10.1556%2f168.2015.16.1.3&partnerID=40&md5=081e835c5d76e5bd2b3f851e1eb3c48b},

doi = {10.1556/168.2015.16.1.3},

issn = {15858553},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Community Ecology},

volume = {16},

number = {1},

pages = {23-32},

publisher = {Akademiai Kiado Rt.},

abstract = {The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the vascular plant species and the associated soil microbial properties at various stages of vegetation development on unclaimed hard coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (south Poland). The spontaneous vegetation, soil chemistry as well as the activity and structure of microbial communities were recorded on this specific habitat. The colliery heaps were divided into four age classes and the plant species composition and cover abundance were recorded on established plots (2 m × 2 m). The soil microbial activity under the vegetation patches was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity (FDHA) and the soil microbial biomass and community composition were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Total microbial biomass in soils from the older vegetation plots was significantly higher than those in soils from the younger plots. In all studied samples, microbial communities consisted primarily of bacteria with the dominance of Gram negative bacteria over Gram positive and aerobic microorganisms were more dominant than anaerobic ones. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the type of vegetation and microbial community structure.},

note = {16},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84926451096,

title = {The influence of invasive Fallopia taxa on resident plant species in two river valleys (southern Poland)},

author = { D. Chmura and B. Tokarska-Guzik and T. Nowak and G. Woźniak and K. Bzdęga and K. Koszela and M. Gancarek},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84926451096&doi=10.5586%2fasbp.2015.008&partnerID=40&md5=6cf58643d127f6b3caad42501fee4951},

doi = {10.5586/asbp.2015.008},

issn = {00016977},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae},

volume = {84},

number = {1},

pages = {23-33},

publisher = {Polskie Towarzystwo Botaniczne},

abstract = {Riparian zones in two rivers in southern Poland were studied in terms of species composition and soil parameters in patches dominated by three knotweed taxa (Fallopia japonica; F. sachalinensis and the hybrid F. ×bohemica). The main purpose was to detect any differences in species diversity, environmental conditions and in the impact of the three Fallopia spp. on resident species. Fieldwork was conducted in spring and summer in 30 invaded plots (in total 90 subplots). It was demonstrated that vegetation dominated by particular knotweed taxa differed in response to soil pH and ammonium, nitrate, and magnesium content. Fallopia spp. (living plants and necromass) had a stronger negative impact on the cover and species diversity of the resident species in summer in comparison with spring. Vegetation patches differed significantly in species composition in relation to the knotweed taxa present. These differences may be the consequence of the differentiated biotopic requirements of Fallopia taxa and the coexisting plants, or to the different impact of the knotweed taxa on the resident species. © The Author(s) 2015.},

note = {18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84939878875,

title = {An application of the plant functional group concept to restoration practice on coal mine spoil heaps},

author = { A. Piekarska-Stachowiak and M.Ł. Szary and B. Ziemer and L. Besenyei and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939878875&doi=10.1007%2fs11284-014-1172-z&partnerID=40&md5=5a86ebb38558ff594ec56674ee2dabe3},

doi = {10.1007/s11284-014-1172-z},

issn = {09123814},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Ecological Research},

volume = {29},

number = {5},

pages = {843-853},

publisher = {Springer Japan},

abstract = {The history of coal mining in South Poland has left a legacy of many spoil heaps across the landscape. These have presented the opportunity to study their colonisation and spontaneous successional sequences over a long time period. We use the plant functional group (PFG) approach to characterize and compare species diversity on spoil heaps of different ages by utilising the ecological characteristics (PFG categories) of the species recorded during the course of spontaneous vegetation development. By changing species frequency into functional group frequency it was possible to find the significant differences in the functional composition of the studied vegetation and to analyze the dataset using non-parametric statistics. There was a small increase in the number of species over time, while the frequency of geophytes, nanophanerophytes and megaphanerophytes increased significantly. A significant increase was also recorded for the frequency of competitors, stress-tolerators and stress-tolerant competitors and for native species. We found that the significant differences in species composition measured as PFG diversity occurred between the youngest and the oldest age classes. The PFG approach provided valuable insights into the nature of the species composition of the developing vegetation on hard-coal mine spoil heaps. We suggest that it could be usefully applied in restoration practice in the future by facilitating the natural colonization of native species adapted to local conditions and thus retaining the local gene pool in these areas. © 2014, The Author(s).},

note = {31},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84896716149,

title = {The importance of land use type in Fallopia (Reynoutria) Japonica invasion in the suburban environment},

author = { D. Chmura and P. Nejfeld and M. Borowska and G. Woźniak and T. Nowak and B. Tokarska-Guzik},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896716149&partnerID=40&md5=22a992a2981ec6e5e99d6b6a0ade8f8c},

issn = {15052249},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Ecology},

volume = {61},

number = {2},

pages = {379-384},

abstract = {In total 273 stands of the invasive species Fallopia (Reynoutria) japonica in Oświęcim valley (southern Poland) were examined, in terms of cover, area, abundance, height and width of shoots, and presence of coexisting species. F. japonica occurred more frequently in wastelands and was the rarest in forests. Statistical analyses revealed some significant differences among habitats with particular traits. The most abundant populations, occupying the largest area, were recorded in wetlands and along railway lines. Populations were very diverse in terms of their percentage of flowering shoots within a particular type of habitat, however, the highest percentage was again observed in wetlands and along railways. In forests, gardens and in wastelands the contribution of flowering shoots was lower. The presence of accompanying species in the studied populations was generally low, most frequently stands of F. japonica were mono-specific with a slightly higher cover of accompanying species being recorded in F. japonica populations in forests. The highest proportion of the tallest shoots within a patch of F. japonica was observed in wetlands, while the lowest was in wastelands and in railways. The individuals with the thickest shoots were present in forests and wetlands and the thinnest in wastelands. Despite the simplified nature of the data collection the study demonstrated that F. japonica is more vigorous and forms larger stands occupying larger areas in some of the analyzed habitats. The study showed that in man-made habitats the considered species has favourable conditions for its development and further spread and this is of concern to conservationists and land managers as it can pose a threat to native biodiversity.},

note = {11},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-80053959869,

title = {Sites of leachate inflows on coalmine heaps as refuges of rare mountainous species},

author = { D. Chmura and T. Molenda and A. Błońska and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80053959869&partnerID=40&md5=8c34ec8bb150548d796042d2722d726d},

issn = {12301485},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Environmental Studies},

volume = {20},

number = {3},

pages = {551-557},

abstract = {In the Silesian Upland (southern Poland), stands of rare mountainous plant species, i.e. Doronicum aus-triacum, Equisetum telmateia, and Veratrum lobelianum, were recorded close to the River Jamna and the coal mine waste tip Halemba. The species grew in two sites: semi-natural and anthropogenic ones. Soils in the anthropogenic site are more acid, with higher contents of Mg, K, Ca, and Na, but soils of the semi-natural site are richer in P. Vegetation varied in composition of accompanying species between two sites, and the distance to water differentiates the abundance of the focal species. The results demonstrate that artifical springs may creates favorable conditions for rare species.},

note = {15},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-80053947088,

title = {Applicability of functional groups concept in analysis of spatiotemporal vegetation changes on manmade habitats},

author = { G. Woźniak and D. Chmura and A. Błońska and B. Tokarska-Guzik and E.M. Sierka},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80053947088&partnerID=40&md5=96e07712a5ad05045f1430c4ea0e9a40},

issn = {12301485},

year  = {2011},

date = {2011-01-01},

journal = {Polish Journal of Environmental Studies},

volume = {20},

number = {3},

pages = {623-631},

abstract = {The immense variety in plant diversity at the species level might explain why it is so difficult to establish strict generalizations in vegetation dynamics. In the last two decades many published research reports have shown that the introduction of the concept of plant functional groups (PEG) into the analysis of vegetation dynamics might be more informative in explaining spatiotemporal changes of vegetation than analysis based only on species composition. The spontaneous vegetation development observed on post-industrial manmade habitats (coal-mine heaps in the Silesian Upland; southern Poland), which are different in age provide an excellent opportunity to study the changes of participation of species representing the analyzed PFG. In this study a vast range of life history features were taken into account in order to find which of them are the most explicable (not redundant) in terms of changes in species composition in time during vegetation development. The study showed that during vegetation development in manmade habitats some features undergo variation over time and their importance depends on the developmental phase of succession/colonization processes. The results revealed that the most explanatory PFG's are plant height, leaf shape and area, root system, seed weight, and photo-synthetic pathway. It is impossible to recommend one closed set of species feature categories to provide the best explanation of spatiotemporal changes of vegetation on manmade habitats during all developmental stages, because the significance of a different plant's features varies in the following phases of vegetation development.},

note = {14},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-38049003074,

title = {Grasses (Poaceae) on post-industrial waste sites in course of spontaneous succesion [Trawy (Poaceae) wystepujace spontanicznie na terenie nieużytków poprzemysłowych]},

author = { A. Rostański and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-38049003074&partnerID=40&md5=51a392efcebed3cfe7ad5064a47e1aa5},

issn = {1640629X},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {Fragmenta Floristica et Geobotanica Polonica},

volume = {SUPPL. 9},

pages = {31-42},

abstract = {This paper presents data about spontaneous grass species and grass-dominated plant communities recorded on post industrial waste sites in Southern Poland. The list of all recorded grass species as well as the table presenting the grass species growing in the most common plant communities, are included.},

note = {12},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-38349035957,

title = {Colonization process on coal mine sedimentation pools (Upper Silesia, Poland)},

author = { G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-38349035957&partnerID=40&md5=730de255acef8f3cc41613d585fa2d25},

issn = {08670730},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {Polish Botanical Studies},

volume = {22},

pages = {561-568},

abstract = {The article considers the early stages of vascular plant colonization of coal mine sedimentation pools, studied in Upper Silesia (S Poland). From 9 to 11 species were recorded in the three analyzed transects (50 × 1 m) after four years of colonization. In each pool the development of vegetation started at its edge and continued towards the center. Most species occurred in only one of the three transects. Most of the colonizing species were hemicryptophytes; very few therophytes were recorded. The sedimentation pool richest in species at the beginning of colonization was invaded by numerous groups of halophilous plants. After four years of development the spread of plant cover was most extensive at this site. At the other sites the development of vegetation was nearly three times slower in respect of cover. The rate of spread of vegetation was between 4 and 10 m per year. The relationship between cover and the number of species was linear at two sites; for the third one the linear equation does not express the relationship well. The presence of leading/dominant species was determined. There were one or two leading species at each site. Such leading plants were present in more than half of the investigated plots, and were the first colonizers of bare coal dust. These species represent vegetation of a narrow ecological amplitude. New species appeared on plots regardless of whether or not the plot had been covered by plants in the previous year.},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-33646105161,

title = {Biased vegetation patterns and detection of vegetation changes using phytosociological databases. A case study in the forests of the Babia Góra National Park (the West Carpathians, Poland)},

author = { J. Holeksa and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33646105161&doi=10.1127%2f0340-269X%2f2005%2f0035-0001&partnerID=40&md5=5491f5ee75352ea9efac720d97904717},

doi = {10.1127/0340-269X/2005/0035-0001},

issn = {0340269X},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {Phytocoenologia},

volume = {35},

number = {1},

pages = {1-18},

publisher = {Gebruder Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung},

abstract = {A huge number of phytosociological relevés, which have been collected in Europe during the last century, seems to be a useful point of reference for analyses of temporal changes in vegetation. The high degree of subjectivity during data collection, however, makes difficult the comparison between data sets collected at different time by different authors. Being aware of this we attempted to reveal 30-year changes in strictly protected old-growth mountain forests. We compared two sets of relevés: A subjective phytosociological sample collected in the 60s and a systematic random one from the 90s of the XX century. Standard phytosociological data gave distinct vegetation units with transitional patches poorly represented. This was observed both in the gradient between beech and coniferous forests in the montane belt and in the altitudinal gradient including two forests belts. On the contrary, the random sample did not indicate discontinuity in any of these gradients. We suggest that in spite of better representation of rare plant communities, in the subjective sample a considerable part of vegetation variability was omitted to emphasize differences between associations. Most species positively distinguishing syntaxa were more frequent in the subjective sample because of preferential sampling in patches with a high number of such species. There were few diagnostic species with higher frequency in the random sample or with similar frequencies in both samples. Such results were interpreted as an evidence of spreading of these species. Comparisons between samples revealed the expansion of heliophilous species typical for communities of Betulo-Adenostyletea and dramatic regeneration decline of Abies alba, Acer pseudoplatanus and Picea abies. © 2005 Gebrüder Borntraeger.},

note = {25},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-0041082538,

title = {The flora and vegetation of an old solvay process tip in Jaworzno (Upper Silesia, Poland)},

author = { E.V.J. Cohn and A. Rostański and B. Tokarska-Guzik and I.C. Trueman and G. Woźniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0041082538&partnerID=40&md5=7f68a82d364c67fc2afbc35ebf95cebc},

issn = {00016977},

year  = {2001},

date = {2001-01-01},

journal = {Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae},

volume = {70},

number = {1},

pages = {47-60},

publisher = {Polish Botanical Society},

abstract = {This paper demonstrates the flora, plant communities and substrates of an old solvay process spoil tip in Upper Silesia, Poland. In an area of 15 000 m2 there are growing 136 vascular plant species. The flora is characterised by the preponderance of Asteraceae - species and long-lived perennial herbs, many of them coming from meadows and grasslands. Ninety-five percent of species are apophytes despite the anthropogenic origin of the site. A majority of species are associated with moderately dry, base-rich soils with low or moderate levels of nitrogen. The site is shown to be an important refuge for some protected species, montane species and other elements uncommon in the local flora. An analysis of a series of samples used a methodology based on the assessment of percentage cover of particular species and multivariate analysis based on TWINSPAN. Both suggested a relatively high overall similarity between the samples with minor variations associated with moister substrates. Elemental analysis and pH determinations of soil samples associated with the relevés revealed a narrow range of pH and an absence of any strong concentrations of heavy metals. A redundancy analysis of the soil-plant relationships suggested that the strongest trend of differentiation was most closely associated with a phosphate gradient, and the next strongest was pH and possibly waterlogging. The most species-rich vegetation was associated with low phosphate and high pH levels. The results could be interpreted to suggest that processes of soil development and plant succession are slow but nevertheless perceptible, with implications for future loss of diversity. The vegetation constitutes an assemblage essentially of one type showing only weak relationships with described vegetation types such as Molinio-Arrhenatheretea meadow, FestucoBrometea grassland and Caricetalia davallianae mire. The results also suggest that the vegetation of the site is of considerable value for nature conservation. The site should be protected and be the subject of further research.},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}