Integrative Biology Journals

Plant Diversity ›› 2026, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (02): 409-421.DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2025.08.007

• Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Soil nutrients and heavy metals jointly shape spontaneous plant functional groups in abandoned mining areas

Xin-qi Yuana,b, Yin-jie Lia,b, Yao Zhaoa,b, Fu-xiang Penga,b, Wen-jing Zhanga,b, Chang-e Liua,b, Chang-qun Duana,b,c   

  1. a. Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments & School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China;
    b. Central Yunnan Field Scientific Station for Restoration of Ecological Function & Yunnan International Joint Research Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management, Yunnan Think Tank for Ecological Civilization Construction, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China;
    c. Southwestern United Graduate School & Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
  • Received:2025-03-30 Revised:2025-08-19 Online:2026-05-19 Published:2026-03-25
  • Contact: Chang-qun Duan,E-mail:chqduan@ynu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32371707 and 32260315), China Yunnan Provincial R&D Programs (202405AF140014, 202405AM340002, 202302AO370015, 202201AS070016, and 202201BF070001-002), and Yunnan University recommended exempted graduate research and innovation program (TM-23237006). This research expressed sincere gratitude for the strong support provided by the PhD program of the Youth Talent Promotion Plan of the China Association for Science and Technology (Chinese Society of Forestry).

Soil nutrients and heavy metals jointly shape spontaneous plant functional groups in abandoned mining areas

Xin-qi Yuana,b, Yin-jie Lia,b, Yao Zhaoa,b, Fu-xiang Penga,b, Wen-jing Zhanga,b, Chang-e Liua,b, Chang-qun Duana,b,c   

  1. a. Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments & School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China;
    b. Central Yunnan Field Scientific Station for Restoration of Ecological Function & Yunnan International Joint Research Center of Plateau Lake Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management, Yunnan Think Tank for Ecological Civilization Construction, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan, China;
    c. Southwestern United Graduate School & Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
  • 通讯作者: Chang-qun Duan,E-mail:chqduan@ynu.edu.cn
  • 基金资助:
    This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32371707 and 32260315), China Yunnan Provincial R&D Programs (202405AF140014, 202405AM340002, 202302AO370015, 202201AS070016, and 202201BF070001-002), and Yunnan University recommended exempted graduate research and innovation program (TM-23237006). This research expressed sincere gratitude for the strong support provided by the PhD program of the Youth Talent Promotion Plan of the China Association for Science and Technology (Chinese Society of Forestry).

Abstract: Ecological recovery of abandoned mining areas requires developing and implementing effective nature-based solutions. However, ecological processes that underlie the establishment, development, and long-term persistence of plant functional groups within natural plant communities remain poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that local plant species in abandoned mining areas respond to the harsh environmental conditions of contaminated soils by adjusting their functional traits and survival strategies, thereby enhancing the stability of spontaneous plant communities through the development of distinct plant functional groups. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the responses of plant functional groups to heavy metal contamination and identified both environmental factors and functional traits that influence these plant functional groups. We found that heavy metal pollution induced shifts in plant functional groups and overall community composition. Specifically, stress-tolerant plant abundance fluctuated and declined; ruderal plant abundance initially decreased before increasing; and competitor plant abundance increased. The environmental factors that influenced plant functional group abundance include soil pH, heavy metal concentrations, and nutrient content. Overall, our results specifically indicate that the successional replacement of plant functional groups and the ecological recovery of plant communities in abandoned mining areas depend on soil total nitrogen levels.

Key words: Community restoration, Functional traits, Heavy metals, CSR strategies, Nature-based solutions

摘要: Ecological recovery of abandoned mining areas requires developing and implementing effective nature-based solutions. However, ecological processes that underlie the establishment, development, and long-term persistence of plant functional groups within natural plant communities remain poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that local plant species in abandoned mining areas respond to the harsh environmental conditions of contaminated soils by adjusting their functional traits and survival strategies, thereby enhancing the stability of spontaneous plant communities through the development of distinct plant functional groups. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the responses of plant functional groups to heavy metal contamination and identified both environmental factors and functional traits that influence these plant functional groups. We found that heavy metal pollution induced shifts in plant functional groups and overall community composition. Specifically, stress-tolerant plant abundance fluctuated and declined; ruderal plant abundance initially decreased before increasing; and competitor plant abundance increased. The environmental factors that influenced plant functional group abundance include soil pH, heavy metal concentrations, and nutrient content. Overall, our results specifically indicate that the successional replacement of plant functional groups and the ecological recovery of plant communities in abandoned mining areas depend on soil total nitrogen levels.

关键词: Community restoration, Functional traits, Heavy metals, CSR strategies, Nature-based solutions