The paths of natural reforestation at the quarry complexes in the northern taiga (the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, northwestern Siberia)

In connection with strengthening economic activity and industry development in the northern regions, the problem of restoration of disturbed territories remains relevant. Natural restoration of ecosystems under extreme environmental conditions takes much time. However, effective restoration can reduce the time of ecological chaos on disturbed lands and make the succession more manageable. Information about the features of the natural restoration of disturbed vegetation cover helps to optimize selecting the correct restorative measures. Quarry complexes are one of the most common types of disorders. Here, the restoration of native vegetation is hampered by the presence of contrasting habitats and areas with mixed soils. This article discusses various scenarios of successional changes in plant communities in the quarries of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. Three main scenarios for the overgrowth of the quarry areas have been identified, depending on the position in the relief and the moisture level. Also, it is essential to consider the slope’s exposure and the angle of inclination of the surface. All this information can help one avoid mistakes in restoring vegetation cover after anthropogenic disturbances.