Jaume Tormo , David Moret-Fernández, José Manuel Nicolau

Ecological restoration of post-mining landscapes is critical to mitigating the environmental impacts of extraction activities. This study compares the effectiveness of geomorphic restoration (GR) versus conventional restoration (CR) techniques in improving soil water availability and seed germination dynamics in the Fortuna quarry, a Mediterranean post-mining site in Spain. Soil water content (SWC) and soil water potential (ψ) were monitored over 22 months across different restored and reference treatments, alongside seed germination by menas of hydrothermal time models. GR areas exhibited significantly higher SWC and lower ψ compared to CR areas, aligning closer to reference ecosystem conditions. A novel metric, critical soil water content (θcr), was introduced to more accurately represent field germination thresholds, integrating soil-specific properties with seed germination properties. Germination probabilities were higher in GR treatments due to improved soil hydraulic properties and topography that reduced runoff and erosion. This research underscores the role of substrate quality and hydrological design in enhancing germination windows and ecological succession in restored areas, providing a foundation for refining restoration practices in arid and semi-arid regions.