Stockpiling disrupts the biological integrity of topsoil for ecological restoration

Abstract Purpose Biotic and abiotic properties of soils can hinder or facilitate ecological restoration, management practices that impact edaphic factors strongly influence plant growth restoration outcomes. Salvaged topsoil is an invaluable resource for mine-site a common practice transfer from mined areas to sites. However, direct often not feasible, necessitating storage in stockpiles. We evaluated the effects stockpiling on performance across diverse ecosystems impacted by mining throughout Western Australia. Methods conducted bioassay experiment using widespread native Acacia species assess how might growth, physiology, nodulation N-fixing bacteria reference vegetation stockpiled six mine sites Results Plant responses varied sites, but overall plants performed better collected vegetation, exhibiting greater biomass, more root nodules, higher water-use efficiency compared those grown soils. Soil physiochemistry showed few minor differences between Conclusion suggest observed were biotic nature. This study highlights negative biological integrity soil ecosystems, with important implications restoration; our results show performance, are likely inferior recently disturbed purposes. also use this illustrate utility bioassays assessing quality restoration.