Soil and vegetation properties under different species combination patterns

We present the results of field experiments evaluating the effects of different native grass species combinations on soil and vegetation properties in a restored mining area. These experiments assessed how species composition influences the sustainability of soil structure and water availability.In the first experiment, the effects of different species combinations on soil water holding capacity and infiltration performance were studied. In the second experiment, the effects of different species combination patterns on soil structure were studied. In the third experiment, the effects of different species combination patterns on vegetation characteristics were studied. The results showed that vegetation restoration significantly improved soil structure and hydrological function compared to the original degraded soil. Among the tested combinations, Cleistogenes songorica cv. Tenggeli + Limonium aureum (L.) Hill achieved the best restoration performance. This combination effectively enhanced soil properties and ensured a sustainable water supply during the early restoration stage, helping to prevent water deficits and supporting long-term vegetation sustainability.