Article (Scientific journals)
Using phytostabilisation to conserve threatened endemic species in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Boisson, Sylvain; Seleck, Maxime; Le Stradic, S. et al.
2018In Ecological Research, p. 1-10
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Keywords :
Bare rich-soil; Conservation; Copper endemic; Facilitation; Phytostabilisation
Abstract :
[en] Outcrops in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are recognized as some of the largest copper–cobalt orebodies in the world. They support a unique vegetation with nearly 600 metallophytes that include rare and endemic species. Mineral exploitation has increased considerably in the region since the 1900s, affecting both environmental and public health. Phytostabilisation of polluted areas represents an opportunity to decrease the bioavailability of heavy metals in the highly polluted soils that result from ore extraction. Such a technique has been successfully implemented near Lubumbashi with the grass Microchloa altera. However, long-term maintenance requires a good understanding of interspecific relationships, such as competition and facilitation. This study tested the establishment success of four herbaceous species from the Katangan Copperbelt by assessing the potential role of Microchloa altera as a nurse species. Two annual and two perennial species were sown in an experiment designed to study the influence of soil amendment and vegetation cover on seedling emergence, growth, and survival. These variables were monitored during the vegetation growing season as well as resprouting success for perennials. Microchloa altera showed a distinct effect on the emergence and survival of annual and perennial species and negatively affected the growth of individuals belonging to both groups of species. © 2018 The Ecological Society of Japan
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Boisson, Sylvain ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Seleck, Maxime  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Le Stradic, S.;  Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, BIOSE-Biosystem Engineering Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2 Passage des Déportés, Gembloux, Belgium
Collignon, Jean-Marie ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Médecine générale
Garin, O.;  Biodiversity and Landscape Unit, BIOSE-Biosystem Engineering Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 2 Passage des Déportés, Gembloux, Belgium
Malaisse, François ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Shutcha, M. N.;  Ecology, Restoration Ecology and Landscape Research Unit, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Lubumbashi, Route Kasapa, Campus Universitaire, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic Congo
Mahy, Grégory ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Language :
English
Title :
Using phytostabilisation to conserve threatened endemic species in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Publication date :
2018
Journal title :
Ecological Research
ISSN :
0912-3814
Publisher :
Springer Tokyo
Pages :
1-10
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 09 January 2019

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