The importance of mycorrhizal symbiosis for the course of primary succession in a limestone quarry

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis was established millions of years ago and became one of the most symbiotic relationship at all. With increasing human interventions in the natural environment, its importance is growing. Understanding the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in the succession of vegetation on spoil banks , can significantly help rebuild the disturbed sites and can significantly reduce the cost of the entire process of reclamation. The aim of this study was to describe the development of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on spoil bank of quarry Čeřinka and the ability of these fungi to influence the structure of local plant community. To fulfil these aims, mycorrhizal inoculum potential was determined. It demonstrated that mycorrhizal fungi spread on spoil bank relatively fast. Application of soil, a source of inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and other soil microorganisms did not influence the composition of the plant community. Greenhouse experiment with two of the original steppe plant species, describes the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for spread more specialized species in the spoil bank. Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, succession, dump, limestone quarry, vegetatio