[en] Description of the subject. Vegetation of high conservation value can establish in quarries, during or after exploitation. Alien plants could hamper this process and represent additional rehabilitation costs. The situation of plant invasion in quarries is unknown.
Objectives. The aims were to assess alien plant invasion in active and abandoned quarries, and to identify the most invaded sectors.
Method. We surveyed 6 692 plots in 31 quarries in Belgium and recorded occurrence, density and cover of the 65 listed alien plants in Belgium.
Results. 14 species were recorded, and 25 quarries contained at least one species. The two most occurring species, Buddleja davidii Franch.and Senecio inaequidens DC., were more widespread in quarries in activity. All sectors of the quarries were concerned by invasion.
Conclusion. Alien plant invasion in limestone quarries is highly variable, but significant. Considering the ecological potential of quarry sites, the issue should be better tackled.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Monty, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Ortmans, William ; Université de Liège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Mahy, Grégory ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Biodiversité et Paysage
Language :
English
Title :
Managing invasive plants in quarry sites - Patterns, issues and opportunities
Publication date :
September 2018
Event name :
Neobiota 2018 - 10th International Conference on Biological Invasions
