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Background and Purpose: This paper deals with the results of the investigation of the selected heavy metal contents in forest soil in the region of an abandoned mine. The analysis of the forest ecosystem soil on the Medvednica Mountain was conducted in the region of the so-called “French Mines” (FM). The elements selected for analyses were cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) because of their toxicological characteristics. Material and Methods: In the investigated area - five entrances of the FM - composite topsoil samples (0–5 cm) were taken. Those samples were compared to the control samples which were taken outside the area affected by mines. The soil samples were analysed for the following parameters: pH, particle size distribution, organic C content and pseudo-total mass fractions of the selected heavy metals. The heavy metals were determined by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Results and Conclusion: The results reveal that the soil is locally polluted, i.e. the highest mass fraction values of these four heavy metals were found in the area of the FM. Average pseudo-total fraction of Cd in the analysed topsoil samples was in the range of 0.17–4.41 mg·kg−1 (median: 0.97 mg·kg−1). Cu was found in the range of 4.54–1260 mg·kg−1 (median: 45.7 mg·kg−1). In the case of Zn, mass fraction values were found in the range of 36.8–865 mg·kg−1 (median: 137 mg·kg−1). Finally, average values of the pseudo-total fraction of Pb were found in the range of 58.4–12000 mg·kg−1 (median: 238 mg·kg−1). The results reveal that mining activities leave consequences on soil for a long time.

Detailed research into the virgin forest of Smrčeve Doline, situated in Northern VelebitNational Park, was undertaken in the vegetation period of 2010 (Fig. 1). The virgin forest covers an area of 488 ha, of which spruce forests account for 300 ha, beech forests for 125 ha, while the rest is without any forest vegetation. The altitude ranges between 1,279 m and 1,607 m. The virgin forest mainly extends in the north-south direction. Over half of the spruce stands are distributed in sinkholes, as well as on northern and northwestern slopes ascending towards the tops. In the geomorphological sense, this is an exceptionally richly developed Dinaric karst relief, where the parent material is made of limestone breccias and limestone-dolomite blocks, which often resurface. The soil is organogenic and organomineral calcomelanosol in a mosaic with calcocambisol. The average annual temperature is 3.5 °C and the amount of the average annual precipitation is 1,898mm(meteorological stationVučjak, 1954mabove sea level, period 1961–1990, data of the DHMZ). Phytocoenological research based on the standard Central European method of the Zürich-Montpellier School has shown that stands of Norway spruce are distributed in two forest communities (Table 1): spruce forest with Laserpitium krapfii (Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum abietisVukelić, Alegro et Šegota 2010) and spruce forest with Hypericum richerii grisebachii (Hyperico grisebachii-Piceetum abietis /Bertović 1975/ Vukelić, Alegro, Šegota et Šapić 2010). The floral composition with their differences justifies their classification into independent associations in relation to other sub-alpine phytocoenoses of the Dinaric region. Compared with them, spruce forests of the sub-alpine belt of northern Velebit are differentiated by the presence and the higher cover of species Campanula velebitica, Melampyrum velebiticum, Hypericum richeri grisebachii, Laserpitium krapfii, Valerianamontana, Euphorbia carniolica, Geranium sylvaticum,Adenostyles alliariae and other, as well as the absence of the species of the Alpine-boreal and the south Balkan region (Vukelić et al. 2010a, Vukelić et al. 2010b). These results are of exceptional importance because, in combination with other research, they will be indispensable for defining forest communities of spruce in the Gorski Kotar area, which, according to preliminary comparisons, show more similarities with the communities of the Dinaric and pre-alpine area of Slovenia. The structural features of the stands were established in two sample plots situated in the most representative part of the virgin forest. In addition to basic site parameters, some possible anthropogenic impacts were also analyzed in square plots of 50 × 50 m. These impacts are relevant for the assessment of the natural status of the stands. To quantify structural parameters in the sample plots, circumferences and heights were measured 1 cm above the diameter at breast height in all the trees, and their life status was determined using the methodology of Maser et al. 1979 (Tables 2 and 3). Standing trees (live and dead) were divided into 9 degradation categories. The quantity and decomposition rates of dead standing and fallen timber were recorded. The decomposition stage of dead fallen timber was classified into 5 decomposition categories. In terms of assessing the natural status of forests, we assumed that it was a primary virgin forest stand, which shows no traces of direct anthropogenic impacts, and as such can be used for all comparative research of spruce ecosystems. The criteria for the assessment of the status are based on similar research of Central European authors, primarily that of Geburek et al. (2010), who systematically constructed biodiversity indices for Austrian forests. Measurements of structural parameters in the two sample plots revealed a very high amount of growing stock, resulting from the absence of management and the presence of exclusively natural factors. In terms of tree number distribution by diameter classes (Fig. 3 and 4), this research indicates bimodal distribution that deviates significantly from the balanced de Liocourt curve (selective form of distribution). This was also confirmed by past research into Central European virgin forests (Lorimer et al. 2001,Westhpall et al. 2006, Diaci et al. 2009). It is expected that the distribution of diameters at breast height of spruce stands in Smrčeva Dolina will gradually assume a reverse sigmoid curve form (reverse S shape). The reason lies in the continuous regeneration process that takes place in newly created canopy gaps and on dead lying timber. The newly-established young generation slowly penetrates into the upper stand layers and fills in the canopy gaps.With canopy gaps occurring continuously over the entire virgin forest area, the development of young generation achieves a specific form of the reverse S shape of tree number distribution. The growing stock in the sample plots is relatively high for these altitudes. It is primarily the result of favorable micro-site conditions, which are conducive to the biological-ecological requirements of spruce. Differences in the two plots emerge from different ecological and particularly from edaphic parameters. The first plot (association Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum abietis) is situated in the sinkhole itself and on its lower slope, where the soil is very deep and suitable (colluvium), while the second is about 200 m higher, immediately under the top of the slope, where the soil is considerably shallower and rockiness is more distinct (association Hyperico grisebachii- -Piceetum abietis). With reference to the measured parameters of live trees, the quantity and decomposition rate of dead standing and fallen timber, the complete absence of stumps of anthropogenic origin, the distance from roads and mountain trails, the geographic position, inaccessibility and other factors, Smrčeve Doline can be considered a virgin forest with the highest degree of naturalness.

Soil erosion is one of the most devastating soil degradation processes. In temperate climate regions, soil erosion rarely assumes excessive proportions. In the management of forest soil, the potential erosion threat drastically increases with an increase in climate aridity. Water erosion is particularly favored by parent materials of low water permeability and by soils derived from such materials. In theMediterranean and sub-Mediterranean area of Croatia, these are primarily flysch, marl and Werfen schists. These materials show good physical weathering properties, thus providing a rich source of erosion material.As a rule, the soil formed from such parentmaterial is of silty-clayey to clayey texture, and has a relatively low infiltration capacity. The soil unprotected by vegetation (burned sites) manifests particularly devastating forms of water-induced erosion. In the past 50 years, flysch terrains of Istria have been subjected to a series of technical, biological and biological- technical treatments aimed at preventing water erosion and recovering the eroded soils. An experimental (research) site was set up in Abrami near Buzet for the purpose of monitoring erosion processes and rehabilitation effects of different biological-technical and biological methods of eroded area recovery. The effects of the treatments on soil properties in the research site are in the form of progressive pedogenetic processes. Asynergy of the effects of recovery methods and different natural conditions (relief, vegetation) in the experimental site is particularly well reflected in erosion indicators, such as the production of erosion sediment (erosion production), and to a lesser extent, the surface flow index. For this reason, research in this work focuses primarily on soil properties and erosion production dynamics. From the geological-lithological aspect, the research site of Abrami is made up of Eocene flysch composed of alternate layers of light grey marl and dark lime sandstone, i.e. thinner or thicker interbeds of sandy limestone. The climate is sub-Mediterranean. The mean annual temperature is 12 °C and the mean annual precipitation is 975 mm. The natural potential vegetation in the localities is represented by the community of hop hornbeam and autumn moor grass. Established in 1956 on the slope exposed to highly pronounced erosion processes, the research site has an area of 23.46 ha.Aseries of technical and biological erosion recovery measures had been undertaken in the site by 1963 for the purpose of investigating their applicability in practice. Technical activities included the construction of step-like terraces, of the bench terrace type (»gradoni«), and contour rustic walls. Avariety of plant material was planted and seeds of different plant species were sown in the area (Table 1). Several control plots were also established in parts of the Abrami site, where either no treatment was applied or the seedlings were planted into the planting holes. Six plots intended for the measurement of erosion sediment production were established in 1969, followed by research into the quantitative erosion indicators, which started in 1970 (Table 1). After an interruption in 1977, measurements were resumed in 1997 and 1998 (two plots) and in 1999 (three plots). Erosion indicators have continuously been measured since 2000; however, measurements in plot I (plot I was omitted from this research due to its specific features) have been performed by means of terrestrial photogrammetry. The seventh plot was established in 2004, and has been the subject of measurements since 2005. This work encompasses measurement data from 2005, 2006 and 2007. The research includes plots II, III, IV,V, aswell asVI and VII. The soil and organic residues were sampled in the immediate surroundings of the erosion-measuring plots. Next to the plots in which no technical recovery measures were undertaken, a pedological profile was opened and the soil was sampled by horizons. Some smaller plots of 50 x 50 cm were used to sample the forest floor in 3 points next to the plots (near the top, in the middle of the slope and near the bottom). Undisturbed soil from the depth of 0-5 cm was cylinder-sampled in these smaller plots. The soil profiles next to the terraced plots were not sampled. The forest floor was sampled in small 50 x 50 cm plots, particularly those established on the slopes and on the top of the bench terraces. After the removal of the forest floor, the soil in the small plots was sampled with a probe (disturbed soil) to a 10 cmdepth, and with a cylinder (undisturbed soil) to a 5 cmdepth. The granulometric soil composition was determined according to HRN ISO 11277:2004, the pH according to HRN ISO 10390:2005, the CaCO3 content according to HRN ISO 10693:2004, organic carbon (TOC) according to HRN ISO 10694:2004, porosity according to HR ISO 11508 and 11272 2004, water retention capacity according to HRN ISO 11461:2001, air capacity according to HRN ISO 11580 and 11272:2004, and soil water permeability according to HRN ISO 17312:2005. Measurements of erosion parameters were based on the cumulative measurement of runoff and erosion sediment for each particular rain event (in some cases several rain events were measured cumulatively). Water with eroded particles was determined in the field by measuring water levels in retention basins and/or tubs. The total quantity of erosion sediment in the collected waterwas determined according to theHRNISO 4365 standard. Rain events were registered in the site itself with a pluviograph within the meteorological station of Abrami. In converting the erosion production mass into volume, the average erosion sediment density was assumed to be 1.2 Mg m-3. Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, correlations, t-test) were performed with STATISTICA 7.1 software. Research into soil physiography in the site did not show any significant differences between the samples, regardless of sampling depths (the pHinwater suspension is between 7.7 and 7.9),which indicates long-term erosion impacts, that is, the homogeneity of the material. The soil in plot II does not have a developed humus-accumulative horizon. It is a strongly skeletal eutric regosol with a discontinued layer of the forest floor (the layer contains 1,531 kg ha–1 of dry organic matter). The soil in the surface 0.5 cmismoderately porous (48.4%), with moderatewater capacity (37%) and low water permeability (Table 2). In plots II and III (one immediately next to the other) the soil is eutric cambisol, with a depth of č90 cm. The depth of the humus-accumulative horizon is only 2 – 4 cm,which reflects the erosion impact in the past. The slightly-to-moderately porous soil has relatively low water permeability (Table 2). In plot V the soil is eroded eutric cambisol with a discontinued A-horizon. This is shallower and texturally lighter soil than the soil in plots III andVII. In terms of granulometric composition, the soil is silty loam.Water permeability is very fast in the surface 5 cm. In plots IV and VI, the soil in the surface 10 cm is of silty-clayey texture, both on the slopes and the terraces. On the terraces of these plots the soil ismore compacted and the forest floor accumulation is higher, but water permeability is lower than on the slopes of the bench terraces. The annual precipitation amount ranged from 908 mm in 2005, over 979 mm in 2006, to 1.167 mm in 2007. During 2005, the least precipitation occurred in the first annual quarter (

The largest and the most coherent complexes of natural spruce stands in Croatia are currently distributed in the altimontane and subalpine vegetation belt of Velebit over an area of 3165 ha and altitudes ranging from 1100 to almost 1600 m.Past phytocoenological research into spruce forests in northern Velebit distinguishes three different associations: frost valleys of Štirovača and Apatišanska Duliba support the altimontane spruce forest with bastard agrimony (Aremonio-Piceetum Horvat 1938), shallower sink holes and slopes descending from the surrounding tops contain the altimontane-subalpine spruce forest with Laserpitium krapfii (Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum Vukelić et al. 2010), while rocky tops, hips, karrens and ridges feature the subalpine spruce forest with small-reed (Calamagrostio variae-Piceetum Bertović 1975). These associations are distributed as azonal, microclimatically and edaphically conditioned associations, of which spruce forest with bastard agrimony occurs in the belt of Dinaric beech-fir forest (Omphalodo-Fagetum) while the two others grow in a higher belt of subalpine beech forest with buttercup (Ranunculo platanifoliae-Fagetum). Their mutual differences result from ecological factors which are decisive for their occurrence and distribution. Of these, the edaphic relationships which we explored in this work draw particular interest.Composite samples were taken from the top layer up to 5 cm deep (13 composite samples composed of 9 individual samples each), pedological profiles were opened (11 profiles), and soil samples were taken by pedogenetic horizons within pedological research in three spruce communities: altimontane spruce forest with bastard agrimony (Aremonio-Piceetum), altimontane-subalpine spruce forest with Laserpitium krapfii (Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum), and subalpine spruce forest with small-reed (Calamagrostio-Piceetum) in the area of northern Velebit and Štirovača. Composite samples, taken from the top soil layer up to 5 cm deep, consisted of 9 samples, each taken at a distance of 1 m in a cross pattern.Soil samples were analyzed by means of the following laboratory methods: determination of pH values (HRN ISO 10390:2005), determination of CaCO3 content (HRN ISO 10693:2004), determination of organic and total carbon and nitrogen with dry combustion (HRN ISO 10694:2004, HRN ISO 13878:2004), determination of concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd (HRN ISO 11466:2004), and determination of the granulometric soil composition (HRN ISO 11277:2004). Descriptive statistics were made for all the samples by the investigated phytocoenosis. Variance analysis was used to test the differences between the composite soil samples for the layer of up to 5 cm in depth. Statistica 7.0 software was used for this purpose.The analyses of composite soil samples taken from a depth of 5 cm in three different spruce communities (Aremonio-Piceetum, Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and Calamagrostio-Piceetum) showed than the lowest pH value was recorded in the community Aremonio-Piceetum, followed by the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, while the highest value was recorded in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum. The average pH (H2O) value in the community Aremonio-Piceetum reaches 4.35, in Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum it is 5.56 and in Calamagrostio-Piceetum it is 5.23. In terms of pH values for soil depths of up to 5 cm, the communities Aremonio-Piceetum and Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum (pH H2O, p=0.01447; pH CaCl2, p=0.01668) show a statistically significant difference.In all the communities the surface soil layer is richly humous and well supplied with nitrogen. It is the richest in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where the average value of C org amounts to 131.6 g kg–1 and N tot. to 9.3 g kg–1 (Table 3). The C : N ratio in all the three communities is favourable and ranges between 11 and 15.The average depth of the humus-accumulative horizon amounting to 6.5 cm is the lowest in the community Aremonio-Piceetum. It is higher in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum where it reaches 7.5 cm and the highest in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where it is 21 cm. The content of pH values, C org., N tot. in the hummus-accumulative horizon shows similar values and an identical trend to composite soil samples at a depth of up to 5 cm. In terms of the argyle-accumulative and cambic horizon, the lowest pH value is observed in the community Aremonio-Piceetum, where the average pH (H2O) value is 5.30. In the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum, the average pH (H2O) value is 6.92. The highest pH value is observed in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where the average pH (H2O) value reaches 7.21, but it is only one profile opened in the shallow and distinctly skeletal calcocambisol. All the soils have a texture ranging from silty to clayey loam.Soil reaction was the only parameter to show statistically significant differences for the top soil layer. These differences relate to the communities Aremonio-Piceetum and Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum. The lowest pH value in the community Aremonio-Piceetum is conditioned by acid parent material, flat relief which additionally favours the podzolization process in the perhumid climate, while specific microclimatic conditions, frost sites and high air humidity cause more intensive accumulations of raw humus. In relation to the pH reaction, the lowest acidity is displayed by the association Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum, as confirmed by phytocoenological research (Vukelić et al. 2010), according to which this community, compared to others, has the biggest number of species of the order Fagetalia. These species are dominant in adjacent, mainly neutrophilic beech and beech-fir forests.All the three studied communities, Aremonio-Piceetum, Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and CalamagrostioPiceetum, manifested high Pb contamination in the surface soil layer of up 5 cm. The average Pb content (median) in the community Aremonio-Piceetum amounts to 54.5 mg kg–1, in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum to 65.0 mg kg–1, and in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum to 54.7 mg kg–1. The top soil layer of 5 cm in the communities Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and Calamagrostio-Piceetum also manifested high Zn and Cd contamination. The average content (median) in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum for Zn is 101.0 mg kg–1 and for Cd it is 1.0 mg kg–1, whereas in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum it is 75.0 mg kg–1 for Zn and 1.9 mg kg–1 for Cd.

The purpose of this study is to research the effects of different concentrations of mineral and biodegradable oils for chainsaws on seedling growth of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) during two-year vegetation period. The paper also examines the influence of the above mentioned oils and their concentrations on the development of the seedling root system at the end of the second vegetation. Tests were carried out in forest nurseries on seven 1 m2 plots. Three plots were treated, after the planting of the pedunculate oak acorns, with biodegradable oil in the concentrations of 0.1 L/m2, 0.2 L/m2, and 0.5 L/m2. The other three plots were treated with mineral oil of the same concentrations. The control plot received only seed sowing. The analysis of the root system of the two-year-old seedlings of pedunculate oak was carried out with WinRHIZO ProLA 2400 software. The SAS and Statistica 7 program packages were used for the statistic data processing and for determination of statistically significant differences among variables. Results showed that the lower oil concentration the larger root lengths. The lowest heights of the two-year-old pedunculate oak seedlings were measured from the test plots treated with mineral oil and the highest on those from the plots treated with bio-oil, although the heights of seedlings from the control plots were very close to heights of those treated with bio-oil.

The largest and the most coherent complexes of natural spruce stands in Croatia are currently distributed in the altimontane and subalpine vegetation belt of Velebit over an area of 3165 ha and altitudes ranging from 1100 to almost 1600 m. Past phytocoenological research into spruce forests in northern Velebit distinguishes three different associations: frost valleys of Štirovača and Apatišanska Duliba support the altimontane spruce forest with bastard agrimony (Aremonio-Piceetum Horvat 1938), shallower sink holes and slopes descending from the surrounding tops contain the altimontane-subalpine spruce forest with Laserpitium krapfii (Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum Vukelić et al. 2010), while rocky tops, hips, karrens and ridges feature the subalpine spruce forest with small-reed (Calamagrostio variae-Piceetum Bertović 1975). These associations are distributed as azonal, microclimatically and edaphically conditioned associations, of which spruce forest with bastard agrimony occurs in the belt of Dinaric beech-fir forest (Omphalodo-Fagetum) while the two others grow in a higher belt of subalpine beech forest with buttercup (Ranunculo platanifoliae-Fagetum). Their mutual differences result from ecological factors which are decisive for their occurrence and distribution. Of these, the edaphic relationships which we explored in this work draw particular interest. Composite samples were taken from the top layer up to 5 cm deep (13 composite samples composed of 9 individual samples each), pedological profiles were opened (11 profiles), and soil samples were taken by pedogenetic horizons within pedological research in three spruce communities: altimontane spruce forest with bastard agrimony (Aremonio-Piceetum), altimontane-subalpine spruce forest with Laserpitium krapfii (Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum), and subalpine spruce forest with small-reed (Calamagrostio-Piceetum) in the area of northern Velebit and Štirovača. Composite samples, taken from the top soil layer up to 5 cm deep, consisted of 9 samples, each taken at a distance of 1 m in a cross pattern. Soil samples were analyzed by means of the following laboratory methods: determination of pH values (HRN ISO 10390:2005), determination of CaCO3 content (HRN ISO 10693:2004), determination of organic and total carbon and nitrogen with dry combustion (HRN ISO 10694:2004, HRN ISO 13878:2004), determination of concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd (HRN ISO 11466:2004), and determination of the granulometric soil composition (HRN ISO 11277:2004). Descriptive statistics were made for all the samples by the investigated phytocoenosis. Variance analysis was used to test the differences between the composite soil samples for the layer of up to 5 cm in depth. Statistica 7.0 software was used for this purpose. The analyses of composite soil samples taken from a depth of 5 cm in three different spruce communities (Aremonio-Piceetum, Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and Calamagrostio-Piceetum) showed than the lowest pH value was recorded in the community Aremonio-Piceetum, followed by the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, while the highest value was recorded in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum. The average pH (H2O) value in the community Aremonio-Piceetum reaches 4.35, in Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum it is 5.56 and in Calamagrostio-Piceetum it is 5.23. In terms of pH values for soil depths of up to 5 cm, the communities Aremonio-Piceetum and Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum (pH H2O, p=0.01447; pH CaCl2, p=0.01668) show a statistically significant difference. In all the communities the surface soil layer is richly humous and well supplied with nitrogen. It is the richest in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where the average value of C org amounts to 131.6 g kg–1 and N tot. to 9.3 g kg–1 (Table 3). The C : N ratio in all the three communities is favourable and ranges between 11 and 15. The average depth of the humus-accumulative horizon amounting to 6.5 cm is the lowest in the community Aremonio-Piceetum. It is higher in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum where it reaches 7.5 cm and the highest in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where it is 21 cm. The content of pH values, C org., N tot. in the hummus-accumulative horizon shows similar values and an identical trend to composite soil samples at a depth of up to 5 cm. In terms of the argyle-accumulative and cambic horizon, the lowest pH value is observed in the community Aremonio-Piceetum, where the average pH (H2O) value is 5.30. In the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum, the average pH (H2O) value is 6.92. The highest pH value is observed in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum, where the average pH (H2O) value reaches 7.21, but it is only one profile opened in the shallow and distinctly skeletal calcocambisol. All the soils have a texture ranging from silty to clayey loam. Soil reaction was the only parameter to show statistically significant differences for the top soil layer. These differences relate to the communities Aremonio-Piceetum and Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum. The lowest pH value in the community Aremonio-Piceetum is conditioned by acid parent material, flat relief which additionally favours the podzolization process in the perhumid climate, while specific microclimatic conditions, frost sites and high air humidity cause more intensive accumulations of raw humus. In relation to the pH reaction, the lowest acidity is displayed by the association Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum, as confirmed by phytocoenological research (Vukelić et al. 2010), according to which this community, compared to others, has the biggest number of species of the order Fagetalia. These species are dominant in adjacent, mainly neutrophilic beech and beech-fir forests. All the three studied communities, Aremonio-Piceetum, Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and CalamagrostioPiceetum, manifested high Pb contamination in the surface soil layer of up 5 cm. The average Pb content (median) in the community Aremonio-Piceetum amounts to 54.5 mg kg–1, in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum to 65.0 mg kg–1, and in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum to 54.7 mg kg–1. The top soil layer of 5 cm in the communities Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum and Calamagrostio-Piceetum also manifested high Zn and Cd contamination. The average content (median) in the community Laserpitio krapfii-Piceetum for Zn is 101.0 mg kg–1 and for Cd it is 1.0 mg kg–1, whereas in the community Calamagrostio-Piceetum it is 75.0 mg kg–1 for Zn and 1.9 mg kg–1 for Cd.