Comparative assessment of the soil restoration process by four abundant tree species in a humid subtropical post‐mining area

Fast weathering of post‐mining soil in humid subtropical regions results in nutrient depletion, acidification, erosion, reduced water retention, impaired carbon sequestration, and disrupted ecosystem services. This study highlights how the selection of tree species plays a crucial role in influencing the quality of post‐mining soil, which is essential for successful eco‐restoration efforts. The comparison between native ( Azadirachta indica and Dalbergia sissoo ) and fast‐growing non‐native tree species ( Acacia auriculiformis and Senna siamea ) and their impact on soil properties in a reclaimed post‐mining site of Eastern India was assessed. After 8 years, S. siamea and A. auriculiformis showed superior growth compared to A. indica and D. sissoo . Soil parameters like microbial biomass, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, dehydrogenase activity, fluorescence diacetate hydrolase activity, soil basal respiration, total nitrogen, available phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and calcium are highly responsive and can effectively indicate the recovery of post‐mining soil. Large‐scale planting of S. siamea and A. auriculiformis might lead to environmental issues due to P and S leaching. In contrast, native species like A. indica and D. sissoo showed moderate improvement in the sensitive soil indicators. This study emphasizes the significance of choosing suitable native tree species for the restoration of post‐mining soils in humid subtropical regions.