Early successional changes in biological soil crust community assembly and nutrient capture in mining impacted landscapes

In addition, community assembly of BSC macro (bryophytes and lichens) and micro (bacteria and fungi)-phyla changed over the first 30 years of recovery at both mine sites, however, these changes were unique to each mine site. We observed nutrient accumulation in the crust layer but did not find clear trends in available nutrients or gas flux over time. Instead, changes in our functional measurements were associated with colonization by specific BSC species.

Further, the bacterial community at both mines seemed to be responding to changes in the bryophyte communities as they developed over time. This suggests that the establishment of bryophyte communities in early succession may be driving micro-phyla BSC community composition. A holistic view of BSCs as they develop over time in relation to their functional abilities needs further investigation.

This knowledge will improve both our understanding of early stage BSC development and our ability to develop restoration techniques to effectively restore landscapes disturbed by anthropogenic activities.