5 tree species good for mine-spoiled areas

Four tree species and a shrub with medicinal properties are good materials in revegetating mine-spoiled areas.

This was found in a study done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 7 (Central Visayas) and the Atlas Corp.

In the study, researchers Aguinaldo Bueno of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 7 and Bernabe de la Cruz of Atlas screened plants appropriate for revegetating mine rock waste dump areas in Toledo City (Cebu).

They selected plant species that were tolerant to acid, drought, and head and have high colonizing potential to microorganisms.

Bueno and De la Cruz assessed parameters such as percentage survifal, root collar diameter, total height growth, shoot-root ratio, biomass, mine spoil physical and mechanical properties, and sturdiness’ quotient.

Mine spoils are sandy, extremely acidic, with low water-holding capacity, low organic and nitrogen content, and negligible amount of phosphorus and potassium. Moreover, mine spoils are contaminated with heavy metals.

Results of the study showed that acacia, acapulco, ipil-ipil, manzanitas, and lagundi were appropriate species to revegetate mine-spoiled areas.

"These are fast-growing species associated with microorganisms responsible for nitrogen fixation, and thus can improve soil’s physical and chemical properties," pointed out Dr. Leila America of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), which monitored the research.

Bueno and De la Cruz also recommended that other tree species such as fire tree and narra and grass species such as rattan, vetiver, napier, and talahib be tried for planting in mine dump areas. – RAF