Indicators of restoration in beech stands after air pollution: trees and macromycetes

• DOI: 10.2478/foecol-2024-0018
• Publication Date: 2024-07-29T08:07:49Z
• Authors: Milan Barna; Ivan Mihál
• Keywords: beech bark disease; fungal diversity; 0106 biological sciences; defoliation; Ecology; ecosystem recovering; fluorine; fagus sylvatica l.; 01 natural sciences; QH540-549.5

Abstract The aluminium smelter in Žiar nad Hronom has operated since 1953. As a result, the surrounding area is now one of most polluted regions Slovakia. Since implementation new production and filtration technologies 1996, amount emissions significantly decreased. Our aim was to evaluate long-term restoration an environment that been damaged by fluorine-based air pollutants. We analysed contamination forest ecosystems three beech stands at various distances from emission source (2, 7, 18 km). Signs adult trees were observed through decrease defoliation reduction necrotic disease bark tree crowns. However, impacts pollution on ectomycorrhizal associations persist. In reduced number fungal species (16 stand compared 38 control stand), low representation sensitive orders (Cantharellales, Gomphales, Boletales), indices richness heterogeneity (Hill, Margalef, Simpson, Shannon–Weaver). some respects, findings indicate ecosystem capable revitalization within 25 years after pollution. much more indicators successful restoration, characteristics trees, are communities macromycetes.