# Effects of Black Pine Afforestation on Growth and Soil Properties at Reforested Postmine Sites in Kastamonu, Türkiye

## TL;DR

This study examines how planting Black Pine trees affects soil properties and tree growth in reforested post-mining areas in Turkey compared to natural forests.

## Contribution

This is the first study to evaluate the effects of Black Pine plantations in post-mining rehabilitation sites.

## Key findings

- Reforested mine sites had higher concentrations of Se, Mo, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the soil.
- Natural forests showed greater levels of P, N, and K in the soil.
- Tree growth in natural forests was approximately 1.2 times greater in height and diameter than in restored mine sites.

## Abstract

Mining poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems due to its extensive degradation of vegetation, soils, and habitat structure. In recent years, however, mining companies have been legally required to rehabilitate disturbed lands and return them to their original condition once extraction activities have ceased. Reforestation thus plays a central role in restoring these degraded areas by reestablishing forest vegetation and promoting long‐term ecosystem recovery. The aim of this study was to assess how soil properties and the growth and development of
Pinus nigra
Arnold trees differ between postmining restoration forests and natural forest stands. Soil analyses revealed higher concentrations of Se, Mo, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the reforested mine sites, whereas natural
P. nigra
forests contained greater levels of P, N, and K. Tree growth measurements showed that total stem height and diameter were approximately 1.2 times greater in natural forests compared to restored mine sites, and height growth rates were also higher in natural stands. Anatomical assessments indicated no significant differences in tracheid characteristics between the two forest types, suggesting that
P. nigra
is anatomically well adapted to the conditions of restored mine lands. Overall, our findings demonstrate that both forest type and soil properties play essential roles in the establishment and development of
P. nigra
trees, and they highlight the importance of soil restoration and species selection in the success of postmining reforestation efforts.

This paper is the first study on the mine‐land rehabilitation sites to determine the effect of Black pine plantations.