The Influence of Geotextiles Stabilizing the Soil on Vegetation of Post-Excavation Slopes and Drainage Ditches

The paper presents preliminary results of the studies concerning influence of geotextiles stabilizing the soil on vegetation of post-excavation slopes and drainage ditches. Analyzed anthropogenic habitats are situated in Międzyrzecze and Nieboczowy (Silesian Province, Southhern Poland). They have been previously subjected to reclamation treatment, consisting in installation of wool and synthetic nonwovens in the ground. The studies on plant community were conducted according to commonly applied Braun-Blanquet approach. Recorded phytocenosis were classified into Molinio-Arrhenatheretea R. Tx.1937 and Stellarietea mediae R. Tx., Lohm. et Prsg.1950 class. For comparison of plant patches growing on two variants of geotextiles Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was used. Moreover, the number of species (S), Shannon-Wiener index (H), evenness index (J) and average heights of herbal layer were calculated. It has been shown, that the type of geotextiles has a slight influence on the variability of investigated plant patches. However, relatively high differences in total coverage and mean height of herbal layer between plots protected and unprotected were observed. It shows that the geotextiles support the process of natural ecological succession on habitats with high inclination, mainly through water retention and reduction of erosion.