Pioneer habitats drive high plant beta diversity and conservation value of mineral extraction sites

Mineral extraction sites have been shown to serve as secondary habitats and provide suitable conditions for a wide range of plant species. The areas created by extraction are characterized by a high degree of disturbance, nutrient depletion, and low competition. Here, we compare plant communities across a wide range of sites and substrate classes, to assess drivers of plant biodiversity and provide practical insights for restoration that can be applied by extraction companies. We studied alpha- and beta-diversity of plant species in 12 German mineral extraction sites for building materials (gravel, gypsum, limestone, sand). We assessed plant diversity, abundance, and abiotic and structural parameters on 124 plots. We found only minor variation in species richness between plots, whereas species composition differed substantially. Species richness increased with soil pH while it decreased with proportion of open soil. The local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) of sites was particular..., , # Data from: Pioneer habitats drive high plant beta diversity and conservation value of mineral extraction sites

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.79cnp5j7v](10.5061/dryad.79cnp5j7v)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset contains the data required to replicate analyses in Schwesig et al. (2025), studying alpha- and beta-diversity of plant species in 12 German mineral extraction sites for building materials (gravel, gypsum, limestone, sand). Data cover plant diversity, abundance, and abiotic and structural parameters on 124 plots located in the South, Centre, and West of Germany. Additional information on sampling dates is included.

### Files and variables

#### File: metadata.xlsx

**Description:** Metadata used for the analysis in Schwesig et al. (2025) including sampling and site characteristics as well as environmental variables used as predictors in the analyses. All variable descriptions are included in the \"notes\"-sheet of the .xlsx-file. Missing values are indi...,