The degradation of natural and urban areas due to human activities has intensified in recent decades, leading to significant biodiversity loss and decline in ecosystem service. In this context, the revegetation with native Mediterranean sclerophyllous shrubs represents a promising strategy for the recovery of overexploited environments. This study evaluated the suitability of two organic substrates—compost (C) and a compost-poultry manure mix (CP)— obtained from domestic waste and green refuse, as growing media for three Mediterranean species (Quercus ilex L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., Laurus nobilis L.) to restore degraded sites. To assess the effects of substrate type and climate on primary production, three plant species were cultivated for one year in mesocosms containing limestone debris, which was amended with either C or CP, and leaf gas exchanges as well as key eco-physiological traits were monitored across seasons. Results showed that plants on CP exhibited higher photosynthetic rates compared to those on C substrate, with increases of 25%, 12%, and 20% for Q. ilex, P. angustifolia, and L. nobilis, respectively, accompanied by greater height and trunk diameter for all species. Notably, during the summer drought period, CP plants maintained enhanced carbon fixation—22%, 25%, and 37% higher than C plants for the respective species. One year after, organic matter (OM) in the CP substrate had decreased by 44%, compared to only 7% in the C substrate, suggesting more rapid utilization by the plants. The readily available OM and the higher water-holding capacity of CP substrate (+54% after one year)), presumably contributed to the improved photosynthetic and transpiration rates during summer. Among species, Q. ilex demonstrated the highest resilience under challenging environmental conditions. Overall data suggests that the CP substrate is more effective than the C in promoting plant growth and offers significant potential for the recovery of degraded sites, such as disused quarries.
Suitability of two different organic substrates as growing media for sustaining the productivity of mediterranean plant species in degraded sites
Luca Vitale;
2025
Abstract
The degradation of natural and urban areas due to human activities has intensified in recent decades, leading to significant biodiversity loss and decline in ecosystem service. In this context, the revegetation with native Mediterranean sclerophyllous shrubs represents a promising strategy for the recovery of overexploited environments. This study evaluated the suitability of two organic substrates—compost (C) and a compost-poultry manure mix (CP)— obtained from domestic waste and green refuse, as growing media for three Mediterranean species (Quercus ilex L., Phillyrea angustifolia L., Laurus nobilis L.) to restore degraded sites. To assess the effects of substrate type and climate on primary production, three plant species were cultivated for one year in mesocosms containing limestone debris, which was amended with either C or CP, and leaf gas exchanges as well as key eco-physiological traits were monitored across seasons. Results showed that plants on CP exhibited higher photosynthetic rates compared to those on C substrate, with increases of 25%, 12%, and 20% for Q. ilex, P. angustifolia, and L. nobilis, respectively, accompanied by greater height and trunk diameter for all species. Notably, during the summer drought period, CP plants maintained enhanced carbon fixation—22%, 25%, and 37% higher than C plants for the respective species. One year after, organic matter (OM) in the CP substrate had decreased by 44%, compared to only 7% in the C substrate, suggesting more rapid utilization by the plants. The readily available OM and the higher water-holding capacity of CP substrate (+54% after one year)), presumably contributed to the improved photosynthetic and transpiration rates during summer. Among species, Q. ilex demonstrated the highest resilience under challenging environmental conditions. Overall data suggests that the CP substrate is more effective than the C in promoting plant growth and offers significant potential for the recovery of degraded sites, such as disused quarries.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
