In situ soil respiration at reclaimed and unreclaimed post-mining sites: Responses to temperature and reclamation treatment

Soil respiration at reclaimed sites increased with site age to age 30 years and then decreased. The decrease in respiration at the older sites was associated with a decrease in soil temperature (associated with increased shading). Respiration at unreclaimed sites increased with age and was usually lower than in reclaimed alder plantation of similar ages.