Successional Trajectories and Community Assembly of Spontaneous Pioneer Vegetation on Acidic Coal Mine Spoils in Northeast India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i8/171325Keywords:
Coal mines, Degraded land, Succession, Pioneer species, Restoration, Assam.Abstract
Successional recovery of vegetation on acidic coal mine spoils is a key ecological process governing long-term restoration potential in heavily disturbed mining landscapes. This study examines successional trajectories and community assembly of spontaneous pioneer vegetation across two overburden (OB) dumps of different ages (Site A: 2–5 years; Site B: 10–15 years) in the Ledo and Tirap Collieries of the Makum Coalfield, Assam, using belt transects with nested quadrats. A total of 137 species belonging to 112 genera and 48 families were recorded, with Site B exhibiting greater species richness (93 spp.) and structural complexity than Site A (69 spp.). Plant density differed significantly between sites across all growth forms, with consistently higher values at the older dump. The density (individual/ha) pattern at both sites followed a consistent hierarchical trend: herbs (15,784 at Site A; 110,426 at Site B) > shrubs (7,254; 45,219) > ferns (1,765; 20,779) > climbers (294; 1,794) > trees (235; 664). In contrast, species density showed relatively minor variation between sites, suggesting gradual and ongoing community assembly rather than abrupt compositional shifts. The higher plant density, together with increased representation of ferns and woody elements at Site B, reflects progressive successional advancement driven by improved soil conditions and developing microclimatic stability. Overall, the study highlights directional succession of the vegetation on coal mine spoils, while also underscoring the importance of facilitative restoration measures to accelerate the ecosystem recovery process.
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