Survival and early growth of 51 tropical tree species in areas degraded by artisanal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon

Authors:
Román-Dañobeytia et al.

Publication Date:
2021

Abstract/Summary:
Artisanal gold mining in Amazon forests and rivers has been reported in all Amazonian countries. Amazon mining has a wide range of negative effects and severe environmental and social consequences. Given that the activity in the region is mostly illegal, there are few studies published in the scientific literature on recovery of areas degraded by gold mining. This study conducts an experimental reforestation project aimed to evaluate soil degradation and explore the seedling survivorship and early growth of 51 tropical tree species in gold mined areas at 5 study sites distributed across the Madre de Dios region, in the Peruvian Amazon. The study provides guidance on the post-ASGM restoration potential for 51 common and useful tree species and gives practitioners recommendations for combinations of species and fertilization treatments to optimize restoration designs.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration:
Adequate planning and implementation of restoration

STAPER categories:
  • A1: Assess degraded ecosystems
  • B10: Promote and support capacity-building, training, and technology transfer
  • C1: Identify appropriate measures for conducting ecosystem restoration
  • D2: Adjust plans, expectations, procedures, and monitoring through adaptive management

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Ecological Engineering

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925857420303852?dgcid=rss_sd_all