Dung beetle activity improves herbaceous plant growth and soil properties on confinements simulating reclaimed mined land in South Africa

•Benefits of dung beetles are maintained on simulated reclaimed mine soils.•Dung beetle activity improved water infiltration, plant biomass and soil nutrients.•Dung beetles reduced soil compaction to an acceptable range for root development.•Dung beetles offer a complemental biological approach to current reclamation efforts.