Extended ecosystem function analysis — the next step for mine rehabilitation appraisals

Abstract

Ecosystem Function Analysis/Landscape Function Analysis (LFA/EFA) is a long established and well received science-based monitoring and assessment technique for rehabilitated mines sites in Australia. It provides keystone evidence for the re-establishment of ecosystem function in the form of soil condition across a range of mine substrates and climatic conditions. LFA/EFA, in its current form is less concerned with subsequent ecosystem type and development in terms of vegetation composition and structural formation by which communities are recognised and characterised. Similarly, LFA/EFA is not concerned with their condition and, in particular, life-cycle states and dynamics which constitute the key foundation of sustainable ecosystems. The purpose of this paper is to consider whether there is scope for extending the LFA/EFA methodology for assessing revegetation success and ecosystem sustainability. Having examined the methodology and the ability to integrate an index-based assessment of composition, structure and condition, it is concluded that the LFA/EFA methodology can be extended. Hence, it is recommended that the suggested modifications are considered further and developed as necessary to enhance the current LFA/EFA methodology and also to meet biodiversity enhancement expectations.

The use of analogue sites for native ecosystem mine rehabilitation—a case study incorporating effective approaches for selection, monitoring and analysis

“…One important consideration in using summary statistics for benchmarking is the distribution of the data; for datasets with skewed distributions or large outliers the use of median values is appropriate (Eyre et al 2017). Quantiles are also commonly used to evaluate rehabilitation against reference data (Humphries 2016). For visual assessment of rehabilitation progress, spider-web plots are a valuable and accessible method (e.g., Neldner & Ngugi 2014).…”

Case Study: Appraisal of Four Soil-Based Metrics in the Establishment of Sustainable Upland Grassland at a Mine Site in South Wales, United Kingdom

“…Other metrics, such as the index-based Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) developed by Tongway and co-workers, have been applied in Australia and elsewhere in mine rehabilitation appraisals (Humphries, 2016). This approach appears not to have been tested in the UK, but whilst it has merits, it may not be applicable.…”