Growing Periandra mediterranea on post-mining substrate: native Fabaceae with potential for revegetation of degraded rupestrian grasslands in Brazil

Abstract

Recovery of degraded areas of rupestrian grasslands is hampered mainly by the limited knowledge regarding substrate management and the biology of native species suitable for revegetation of these areas. Th e aim of our study was to examine the establishment and growth of Periandra mediterranea in diff erent textures of lateritic substrate from a mining-degraded area. Th e growth of P. mediterranea was evaluated using fi ne and coarse laterite, both with and without the addition of topsoil. Survival, dry biomass, content of chemical elements and nodulation were evaluated in ten individuals per treatment sixteen months after planting. Although the substrate has low nutrient content, yet high metal concentrations, all plants survived. Plants growing on coarse laterite had 140 % greater biomass than those growing on fi ne laterite. Th e addition of topsoil increased biomass in coarse and fi ne laterite by 46 and 151 %, respectively, and doubled the number of nodulated plants, regardless of grain size. Th e biomass accumulation of P. mediterranea to a dystrophic substrate revealed its potential for use in the revegetation of degraded areas of rupestrian grasslands. Furthermore, the addition of topsoil facilitated the association of P. mediterranea with nitrogen-fi xing bacteria, and increased its growth and capacity to improve substrate fertility.

Positive response of seedlings from an old-growth grassland to soil quality improvement

“…Although plant survival was high and varied among species, survival was not influenced by soil improvement. Figueiredo et al (2018) also describe a high survival rate for the plant species Periandra mediterranea (Vell.) Taub.…”

“…Slow-growing plants also have characteristics such as the ability to accumulate reserves and efficient nutrient resorption during senescence (Chapin et al 1993). These plants can modify morphological structures and establish symbiotic associations for improving nutrient assimilation (Figueiredo et al 2018).…”

La cobertura de semillas y los períodos de sequía en la temporada de lluvias interfieren con el éxito de la siembra directa en la restauración de áreas mineras en las sabanas tropicales

“…We expected that the small increase in fertility in the microenvironment and the possibly greater diversity and abundance of microorganisms promoted by the addition of topsoil would facilitate germination and establishment (Oki et al 2016;Figueiredo et al 2018). However, establishment rates were higher, even without statistical significance, for laterite in some of the evaluated species.…”

“…Another factor that could contribute to plant establishment in severely degraded areas is the introduction of microorganisms able to associate with plants, facilitating germination and helping them to tolerate and overcome the harsh substrate conditions such as water and nutrient deficit (Wubs et al 2016). An efficient and low-cost way of introducing great diversity of microorganisms in degraded areas is through the addition of small portions of superficial soil (topsoil) from preserved areas (Figueiredo et al 2018). The addition of topsoil also contributes to increased fertility in the microenvironment, which can also help plant establishment.…”

“…The addition of topsoil also contributes to increased fertility in the microenvironment, which can also help plant establishment. Although, some studies indicate a positive effect of topsoil on plant growth on degraded substrates (Machado et al 2013;Figueiredo et al 2018), they are limited to a few species. Thus, it is important to evaluate the technique with greater diversity of species under field conditions.…”