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

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 <i>Pinus nigra</i> 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 <i>P. nigra</i> 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 <i>P. nigra</i> 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 <i>P. nigra</i> trees, and they highlight the importance of soil restoration and species selection in the success of postmining reforestation efforts.