Effects of Forest Restoration Techniques on Community Diversity and Aboveground Biomass on Area Affected by Mining Tailings in Mariana, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Currently there is an urgent and special attention in actions to restore tropical forests. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different restoration methods on aboveground biomass (AGB) stock, tree community diversity and structure, in areas affected by the Fundão tailings dam collapse in Mariana, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We measured and compiled data of the AGB, community diversity and structure attributes in 36 plots distributed in six restoration treatments and six replicas: planting of native tree seedlings with fertilization and pH correction (PSf) and without fertilization and pH correction (PS); seeding of native trees with fertilization and pH correction (SDf) and without fertilization and pH correction (SD); natural regeneration with fertilization and pH correction (NRf) and without fertilization and pH correction (NR). No significant differences in substrate properties and AGB between treatments. Although biomass storage between treatments was not statistically different, there is a clear pattern showing higher values active restoration method. The Pielou index ranged from 0.520 (SDf) to 0.943 (NR), except for SDf all the others treatments had values higher than 0.76. This result suggests floristic heterogeneity, without ecological dominance in the plant community. Overall, active restoration had important implications for the forest restoration where natural regeneration is limited.

Banco de semillas de relaves mineros como indicador de recuperación de vegetación en Brasil

“…La vegetación ribereña a lo largo del río Gualaxo do Norte se clasifica como bosque estacional semidecidual. Asimismo, cabe mencionar que el área de estudio tenía una larga historia de uso de suelo a base de pasto para el ganado antes de la acumulación de relaves mineros por el colapso de la presa de Fundão (Campanharo et al, 2020;Campanharo et al, 2021).…”

Functional composition enhances aboveground biomass stock undergoing active forest restoration on mining tailings in Mariana, Brazil

“…The deposition of tailings on secondary Atlantic forest along these rivers and their tributaries was restricted to a 113 km area from the Fundão dam to the Risoleta Neves hydroelectric plant, called Environmental Area 1 (Martins et al 2020a). The ecological restoration activities on these affected areas combining different methods and techniques of active and passive restoration are being applied to recovery plant diversity and ecosystem services, such as aboveground biomass (AGB) stock (Campanharo et al 2020, 2021; Martins et al 2020a, 2020b). These methods are typically used in contrasting context‐dependent conditions, for example, passive restoration is usually successful where the vegetation spontaneously recovers by natural regeneration (Holl & Aide 2011; Holl 2017), meanwhile active restoration is recommended in degraded areas where natural regeneration is hindered or limited (Holl 2012; Martins 2018; Campanharo et al 2020).…”

“…The ecological restoration activities on these affected areas combining different methods and techniques of active and passive restoration are being applied to recovery plant diversity and ecosystem services, such as aboveground biomass (AGB) stock (Campanharo et al 2020, 2021; Martins et al 2020a, 2020b). These methods are typically used in contrasting context‐dependent conditions, for example, passive restoration is usually successful where the vegetation spontaneously recovers by natural regeneration (Holl & Aide 2011; Holl 2017), meanwhile active restoration is recommended in degraded areas where natural regeneration is hindered or limited (Holl 2012; Martins 2018; Campanharo et al 2020). However, to know the efficiency of the methods in the affected areas in Mariana is still a priority need.…”

“…However, to know the efficiency of the methods in the affected areas in Mariana is still a priority need. For example, early restoration stages can expect higher plant diversity and AGB stock for planting of nursery‐grown seedlings compared with non‐planted species in highly degraded areas (Wheeler et al 2016; Campanharo et al 2020). Thus, monitoring ecological indicators (i.e.…”

“…Thus, monitoring ecological indicators (i.e. plant community diversity, composition, structure, and functions) of rapid assessment and direct positive effects on Atlantic forest ecosystem functioning contributes to a better understanding of restoration practices and guides further activities and projects (Campanharo et al 2020, 2021; Martins et al 2020a, 2020b).…”