Evaluating soil seed banks of phosphate mining restoration in the hyper‐arid Negev desert

Ecological systems are severely damaged by the anthropogenic disturbance of mining. Phosphate open-pit mining fields cover over 200 km2 Negev desert, Israel. However, effects ongoing mine site restoration efforts on plant community have not been studied. Plants and their seed banks a major role in ecosystem processes restoration. In this study, we focused three sites, restored different years, along Zin River valley. We compared plots within these areas to adjacent natural plots. asked whether germination potential from soil bank differs between site. hypothesized that: (1) there is lack plots; (2) altered composition at inhibits germination. used samples collected sites set up greenhouse experiments. One experiment with treatments. another experiment, added native seeds test soil. Our results indicate that limiting factor hindering after findings shed light constraints establishment post-mining hyper-arid regions. suggest considering active practices facilitate dispersal improve establishment.