Assessment of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) long distance dispersal on the internal waste heap of the Bełchatów lignite mine

Abstract Long distance dispersal is a key process occurring in plant communities and is particularly important for pioneer species like sea-buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) which survival strongly depends on colonizing newly created post-disturbance habitats. Sea-buckthorn, a cluster-forming shrub, is commonly used in Poland in the reclamation of soil-less areas devastated the by mining industry and for these areas a generative expansion of planted populations is usually observed. The main objective of this study was to assess the long-distance dispersal of this species in areas previously disturbed by industrial activity. Our observations were made on a 223.75 ha large section of the internal waste heap of the Bełchatów lignite mine, Central Poland. The area was colonized by sea-buckthorn specimens originating from a population planted on the nearby external waste heap. During the search for newly established sea-buckthorn clusters, their position and size were recorded and the preferences for specific site conditions were assessed using the Ivlev’s electivity index. New specimen were observed at distances between 600 m and 3600 m from their potential seed source. The mean cluster density was 1.37 ha−1. The observed pattern of long distance dispersal is linked with to behavior of frugivorous birds. The largest cluster densities were observed along ditches (9.83 ha−1) and on open areas with less developed plant cover, while the lowest cluster density occurred in afforested areas (0.51 ha−1). Poor sandy substrate reduced the probability of plant establishment compared to richer loamy sands. There appeared to be no influence of slope aspect on the probability of sea-buckthorn establishment.