Arbuscular mycorrhiza and plant succession on zinc smelter spoil heap in Katowice-Welnowiec

Mycorrhizal status of plants colonising the zinc wastes in Katowice was surveyed. In total 69 vascular plant species (25 families) appearing on the investigated area have been noted. More than 60% of them were mycorrhizal. Non-mycorrhizal species, such as Cardaminopsis arenosa and Silene vulgaris dominated the early successional part of the zinc heap. Tussilago farfara was the only AM plant there, however, no arbuscules were developed at this stage. The number of AM species was increased on the 20 years old part of the zinc wastes and on the older 30-50 years old areas. AM plants constituted about 60% of the total number of species there. The frequency of particular AM species was the highest on the oldest part of the investigated area. The usefulness of the results for restoration practices was discussed.