Abstract:
Previous studies on ecological restoration in mining areas require further investigation into the sourcing of restoration materials and the restoration effects across multiple temporal and spatial scales. To improve the ecological environment in the Qinling region, ecological restoration of mining areas involves backfilling mine pits with artificial soil. Selecting suitable soil-building materials is crucial. Traditional materials like coal gangue—a byproduct of mineral extraction—contain heavy metals that hinder ecological restoration. In contrast, phyllite is widely available, directly accessible, and free from heavy metal contamination. This study compared optimal conditions for cultivating weathered phyllite artificial soil through soil cultivation experiments, potted plant experiments, and wilting experiments. Soil quality indices (soil bulk density, pH, maximum water-holding capacity, and electrical conductivity) were calculated for each combination of weathered schist artificial soil. Optimal conditions were identified through variance analysis to eliminate ineffective factors and pinpoint key variables, enhancing the reliability of the optimal conditions. The results were further validated using two-dimensional interpolation of biomass and germination rates. The study revealed that microbial inoculants significantly improved the physicochemical properties of weathered schist artificial soil. The optimal treatment combination was adding 60g of straw composting agent (JG) and cultivating for 60 days. Under this treatment, the artificial soil's bulk density stabilized at an ideal range near 1.22g/cm
3, with moderate pH and electrical conductivity close to natural soil. Notably, its maximum water-holding capacity reached 50.87%, representing a 38% increase over natural soil, directly conferring superior water retention and drought resistance. Pot experiments further validated that this treatment group achieved the highest Bermuda grass seed germination rate (92%) and maintained high biomass levels. Field verification revealed that crop germination rates and growth conditions in plots covered with this artificial soil significantly outperformed the control group. This research, addressing key scientific issues such as nature-based ecological conservation and restoration in the Qinling Mountains, provides preliminary theoretical support for practical needs in ecological conservation, restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management in the region. The detailed results demonstrated a clear and consistent trend across all measured parameters. Specifically, the bulk density showed a progressive decrease over the cultivation period, eventually plateauing at the optimal 1.22 g/cm
3, which is within the ideal range for root growth and water infiltration. The pH values stabilized between 6.5 and 7.2, creating a neutral to slightly acidic environment conducive to nutrient availability and microbial activity. Electrical conductivity remained low, indicating minimal salinity stress, which is critical for plant establishment in restored sites. The remarkable enhancement in maximum water-holding capacity to 50.87% was not only a 38% improvement over local natural soil but also a key factor in reducing irrigation demands and enhancing seedling survival during dry periods. The pot experiments provided robust biological validation; the 92% germination rate observed was accompanied by vigorous seedling growth. Two-dimensional interpolation analysis of biomass and germination data confirmed that the 60g JG 60-day cultivation point represented a clear peak in performance. The integration of these results confirms that the optimized artificial soil formula directly addresses major limitations in mining area restoration, offering a practical, effective, and locally sourced solution that significantly accelerates ecosystem recovery.