We evaluated the ecophysiological responses of two semiarid coniferous tree species, Pinus halepensis and Tetraclinis articulata, growing on a nutrient-poor metalliferous mine tailings substrate to organic amendments (biochar and/or organic municipal waste). The trees were grown in mesocosms under irrigated conditions for 20 months. Then, a comprehensive characterization of soil and plant parameters (including stable isotopes) was carried out.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe study of the rhizospheric microbiome in native plants should be a prerequisite before carrying out the phytomanagement of mine tailings. The goal of this work was to evaluate the rhizospheric microbiome of Piptatherum miliaceum in semiarid mine tailings. A comprehensive edaphic characterization was performed including the description of soil microbial composition in the rhizosphere of P.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe phytostabilization of mine tailings requires a previous assessment of the effects of soil amendments on metal mobility. The goal of this work was to evaluate the response of metal availability (both labile and potentially available pools) to the addition of two organic amendments (a municipal waste biosolid and a tree biochar), separately and in combination, in a mine tailings substrate. For this purpose, a comprehensive comparison among several single extraction procedures and a sequential extraction procedure was performed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe suitable application of phytomanagement by phytostabilisation using plant tree species in metal-polluted soils requires an assessment of the fate of metals in biological tree compartments. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of an urban compost amendment on metal allocation in two evergreen tree species (Pinus halepensis and Tetraclinis articulata) growing in a metal-enriched polluted substrate. A comprehensive characterisation of edaphic parameters and metal speciation was carried out.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe suitable phytomanaging of mine tailings not only requires an improvement of soil fertility but also the assessment of the biotic interactions between the selected plant species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an organic amendment on the response of two plant species of contrasting habit, a tree, Pinus halepensis and a grass, Piptatherum miliaceum growing on a metal(loid)-contaminated substrate collected from mine tailings. Pots containing single plant individuals or their combination, with and without organic amendment (at 10% rate), were established and grown in a greenhouse for 13 months.
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