This special volume contains papers that are partly based on contributions to the symposium "Minesite Recultivation" wh ich was held at the Brandenburg Technical University in Cottbus, FRG in lune 1994. Ouring this symposium, various aspects of research into the recultivation of open-cast minesites were discussed. As a prime example, the symposium focussed on the recultivation (reclamation) of post-mining landscapes in the Lusatian lignite mining district of the former German 2 Oemocratic Republic (GOR). In this area, about 700 km have been devastated by open- cast mining during the last 70 years. Therefore, the research into recultivation has a long tradition in Lusatia, going back to the 1930's. Oue [0 the scientific isolation of the former GOR, most of the research results were not available to an international audience until now. This situation holds also true for other eastern countries. Hence, this special volume is a first step to fill this gap.
The papers by Pietsch, Heinsdorf, and Katzur and Haubold-Rosar detail the Lusatian lignite mining district presenting an overview of recultivation research results and practical experiences related to the establishment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in this region after mining. In particular, the amelioration and reforestation of extremely acid, sulfurous mine soils, the fertilization of forest stands under different mine site conditions and the site-specific recolonization and re vegetation strategies are described.