Journal article
Improving the success of limestone quarry revegetation
Cave and Karst Science, Vol.24(3), pp.117-125
1997
Abstract
The study investigated the possibility of improving the success of revegetation of limestone quarries, using a diverse range of local flora, including species from the surrounding Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) forest and Banksia woodland. A field survey of a rehabilitated limestone quarry was carried out adjacent to Cockburn Cement's Russell Road Plant, near Perth, Western Australia. Results showed that only 20% of species planted were surviving. Key growth constraints appeared to be very low levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus and some micro-nutrients. Glasshouse trials indicated that the omission of either nitrogen or phosphorus strongly depressed plant growth. Lime chlorosis symptoms were induced when no iron fertilizer was added, though this treatment had no effect on the dry shoot weight of seedlings. Field trial results showed that the addition of a complete fertilizer in slow release pellet form was the most successful amendment compared with sewerage sludge, micro-nutrients, off-site topsoil and broadcast fertilizer. These results are likely to pertain to other limestone quarries with similar age and soil characteristics elsewhere in Australia and worldwide.
Details
- Title
- Improving the success of limestone quarry revegetation
- Authors/Creators
- K.X. Ruthrof (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Cave and Karst Science, Vol.24(3), pp.117-125
- Publisher
- British Cave Research Association
- Identifiers
- 991005544934107891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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