scholarly journals Geoecological Zonation of Revegetation Enhances Biodiversity at Historic Mine Sites, Southern New Zealand

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Dave Craw ◽  
Cathy Rufaut

Rocks exposed by mining can form physically, mineralogically, and geochemically diverse surface substrates. Engineered mine rehabilitation typically involves covering these rocks with a uniform layer of soil and vegetation. An alternative approach is to encourage the establishment of plant species that are tolerant of challenging geochemical settings. The zonation of geochemical parameters can therefore lead to geoecological zonation and enhanced biodiversity. Abandoned gold mines in southern New Zealand have developed such geoecological zonations that resulted from establishment of salt-tolerant ecosystems on substrates with evaporative NaCl. A salinity threshold equivalent to substrate electrical conductivity of 1000 µS separates this ecosystem from less salt-tolerant plant ecosystems. Acid mine drainage from pyrite-bearing waste rocks at an abandoned coal mine has caused variations in surface pH between 1 and 7. The resultant substrate pH gradients have led to differential plant colonisation and the establishment of distinctive ecological zones. Substrate pH <3 remained bare ground, whereas pH 3–4 substrates host two acid-tolerant shrubs. These shrubs are joined by a tree species between pH 4 and 5. At higher pH, all local species can become established. The geoecological zonation, and the intervening geochemical thresholds, in these examples involve New Zealand native plant species. However, the principle of enhancing biodiversity by the selection or encouragement of plant species tolerant of diverse geochemical conditions on exposed mine rocks is applicable for site rehabilitation anywhere in the world.

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2796 (1) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
NICHOLAS A. MARTIN ◽  
ZHI-QIANG ZHANG

Nameriophyes sapidae Xue & Zhang (Acari: Eriophyidae) was found on transplanted nikau palms, Rhopalostylis sapida (H. Wendl. & Drude) in Auckland, New Zealand and described as a new species (Xue & Zhang 2008). Although R. sapida is a native plant species, it was not known if this mite species was indigenous or adventive because it was collected only from transplanted palms in unnatural gardens in Auckland. A survey was undertaken of R. sapida and the Kermadec Island palm, Rhopalostylis baueri (Hook. f.) Wendl. & Drude in the northern part of the North Island and Chatham Island.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval

Abstract Ipomoea alba is a fast-growing vine native to the Americas, which has been widely introduced across tropical and subtropical regions of the world where it has become naturalized and invasive. Once naturalized, this species behaves as an environmental weed with the potential to outcompete native plant species for nutrients, water and sunlight. It climbs using other plants for support and forms a dense canopy that shades out native vegetation. It also spreads over the ground, forming a dense mat of vegetation that inhibits the establishment and growth of other plant species. Currently this species is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and it is listed as invasive in China, South Africa, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and other islands in the Pacific region.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Popay

Abstract B. frondosa is a herbaceous annual native to North America. It has been introduced widely in Europe and to other parts of the world and is mostly found in temperate climates. The majority of introductions into new countries are intentional, due to the medicinal, herbal and decorative properties ascribed to the species. However, seeds can be accidentally dispersed into new areas as they can adhere firmly to animal fibres such as wool. In Europe B. frondosa has been reported to out compete and interbreed with native plant species in particular those of the same genus. B. frondosa is classified as an environmental weed in New Zealand.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Grant-Hoffman ◽  
S. Parr ◽  
T. Blanke

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-234
Author(s):  
Jessica D Lubell ◽  
Bryan Connolly ◽  
Kristina N Jones

Rhodora ◽  
10.3119/18-11 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (987) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Adam J. Ramsey ◽  
Steven M. Ballou ◽  
Jennifer R. Mandel

Oecologia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 180 (2) ◽  
pp. 507-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Engelkes ◽  
Annelein Meisner ◽  
Elly Morriën ◽  
Olga Kostenko ◽  
Wim H. Van der Putten ◽  
...  

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