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The pilot tests will be carried out on a real restoration scale in areas of a minimum of between 800-1000 m2, using the methodologies and infrastructures common to the sector. In Spain, these areas are distributed throughout different locations of the Mediterranean coastal strip following a gradient of aridity. According to previous studies, this area is especially problematic in terms of re-vegetation processes, which are much more dynamic in wetter areas. Within the selected geographical area, three locations with three different local climates including semi-arid, dry and dry sub-humid, are selected.
Within each location, the pilot tests will be carried out at three mines in areas with different orientations and slopes, so as to obtain maximum variability in terms of real restoration situations. In Portugal, one pilot experiences will also be carried out in the Setúbal region, which has a thermo-mediterranean climate and maximum precipitation in autumn and winter.
In both countries, the pilot tests will consist of testing commercial herbaceous seed mixtures and non-commercialized native mixtures (herbaceous and woody) applied through hydrosowing and/or manually (depending on the morphological conditions of the area). These mixtures aim to promote the incorporation of native species better adapted to the restoration conditions and are more persistent than the commercial herbaceous species habitually used.
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comercial
species
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Dactylis
glomerata
Festuca arundinacea
Lolium multiflorum
Lotus corniculatus
Medicago sativa
Onobrychis sativa
Sanguisorba minor |
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Non-commercial
native species
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Brachypodium retusum (Herbácea)
Psoralea bituminosa (Herbácea)
Anthyllis cytisoides (Leñosa)
Dorycnium pentaphylum (Leñosa)
Dorycnium hirsutum (Leñosa)
Helichrysum stoechas (Leñosa)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Leñosa)
Cistus ssp (Leñosa) |
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Plantations will be also conducted in spots using shrubby and tree species characteristics of each area. These plantations are to be located in the slope in order to minimize superficial erosion. |
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| plantations |
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Pinus halepensis
Ceratonia siliqua
Olea europaea
Pistacia lentiscus
Quercus coccifera
Rhamnus lycioides
Rhamnus alaternus
Rosmarinus officinalis
Retama sphaerocarpa |
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Materials and execution process
It is determined the quality of the materials once they are received (substrate, organic amendmend, seeds, water) and it is controled the performance of the pilot test.
• Restoration proces
It is collected data seasonaly on the evolution of herbaceous and woody vegetation (germination, survival, cover).
It is established the frequency and dosage of irrigation based on the moisture content of each substrate and the rate at which these dry out in depending on the vegetation needs and the micro-climate conditions of each site.
To determine if the vegetation covering is sufficient to effectively control superficial erosion.
To determine the quantity of carbon incorporated in the system.
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It is defined the criteria and minimum required levels for the correct restoration of the system. The dynamics of vegetation will be considered to be a representative element of the entire system created, and as such will be taken as a reference.
The affected natural systems will be considered in determining the maximum degree of evolution of the new system.
Quality criteria will be established based on the floristic, typological and structural characteristics of this natural vegetation. However, these criteria will be adapted to the different temporary phases of the re-vegetation and its functions within the overall restoration process (initial protection of the soil, development of the vertical structure in later phases, etc.).
It is evaluated the pilot actions based on the results obtained and in accordance with their financial cost in order to carry out a cost-benefit evaluation of the different technical options. .
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Establishment of a system of improved environmental quality for the restoration of the mining sector with the information obtained
It is established standardized protocols by which to collect control parameter data relevant to the restoration process
It is select the best of the tested treatments and their implementation methodology will be developed. Furthermore, the tolerability ranges on which to base the final result of the restoration will be determined, taking into consideration the environmental characteristics of the area to be treated and the substrate to be utilized.
The Environmental Quality System will be implementated to opencast mining.
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