Exploring the annual seasonal impacts on the ecological restoration of post-mining sites

Abstract

Seasonal variations significantly influence post-mining restoration outcomes. In dynamic ecosystems like the Pantanal, the wet season fosters plant recruitment but also increases soil erosion risks, while the dry season limits vegetative growth yet reduces erosion. To assess these dynamics, we developed a Rehabilitation Quality Index (RQI) alongside permutation tests (resemblance), integrating field surveys and laboratory analyses to select, weigh, and score key environmental attributes. Our findings indicate that post-mining sites exhibit soil and vegetation characteristics similar to some reference areas during the rainy season, suggesting improved ecological function. However, this trend does not persist in the dry season, likely due to inadequate vegetation cover and the shallow nature of technogenic soils, which restrict water retention. Despite seasonal fluctuations, most selected attributes remained stable, reinforcing the crucial role of water and nutrient availability in driving ecosystem recovery. The RQI effectively captured these seasonal shifts, highlighting the need for tailored reclamation strategies. Reclamation efforts should prioritize site resilience, particularly during challenging dry periods, by improving soil water retention and vegetation stability to enhance long-term ecological restoration in seasonally dynamic regions.