An experimental project on ecological rehabilitation in Mediterranean conditions

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Objective

To integrate the quarry with the natural landscape and restore the native vegetation. More specifically, the project has the following objectives:

Imitate the geomorphology of the area by reproducing different types of landscape structures identified in the surroundings
Initiate the natural vegetation succession through seeding of native herbaceous and shrub species that will prepare the field for more complex and mature vegetation: this process is more likely to succeed and to be sustainable than plantation of fully grown trees, especially in such a dry area. It also allows for better integration with the native vegetation.

As a pilot site of the EU funded EcoQuarry program, the rehabilitation project of La Martinenca also aims to contribute to the development and sharing of rehabilitation best practices for limestone quarries in a Mediterranean environment.

Context

The Montsia massif is designated as a Natura 2000 protected area. Being in an arid climate, the region’s slopes are partially covered by predominantly Mediterranean forest type vegetation alliances such as Oleo-Ceratonion (Mediterranean Maquis shrubland), Quercion ilicis (Mediterranean Oak Forest), Rosmarino-Ericion (Mediterranean sub-shrubs) and Thero-Brachypodion (Dry Pastures). The area is home to a host of fauna including partridge, wild boar, fox, several species of birds and native goats.

Solutions

The basis for the rehabilitation plan of La Martinenca rests on the following principles:

Revegetation is to occur only with species native from the Montsia Massif and the existing plant communities are to be replicated
Rehabilitation is to restore the first vegetation stages so as to trigger the natural vegetation succession process, thus ensuring long-term survival of the revegetation
When possible and appropriate, rapid interventions such as the planting of shrubs and trees are to be employed to minimize soil erosion on slopes and to rapidly reduce visual impact in key spots
Cooperation with local plant nurseries for plant production, collecting of wild seeds and control of germination, growth and plots

The process

Firstly, a baseline analysis of the current situation including geomorphology, geology, hydrology, soils and botany was undertaken as an extensive study of the site and its surroundings, with the objective of characterizing the elements to be reproduced through the rehabilitation work.
Secondly, the geomorphologic structures were reformed and soil restored. The inclination of the slopes was made to be 30-36 degrees for optimal restoration. Limestone blocks were used at lower levels to stabilize the formations. 300 000 Tonnes of soil was used, including 70% overburden materials and limestone from the quarry and 30% topsoil from external areas.
Third, hydroseeding of the landforms took place to aid revegetation. In this process, seeds of herbaceous and shrubby plant species indigenous to the area are mixed with organic matter such as straw and cotton and mixed with fertilizers, natural stabilizing adhesive and vegetable fibers. The mixture is then sprayed over the areas to be restored through a system of seed dispersion.
Lastly, the planting of native shrubs and trees such as Aleppo pine, oak, olive and strawberry tree was started in certain areas that need rapid interventions

Results

Twenty percent of the total surface area of the site has already been rehabilitated and, in May 2007, the site was awarded First position in the National Restoration Award of quarry affected areas in the category of Large Quarries.

The EcoQuarry project is currently in its final stage of establishing a system of improved environmental quality for restoration works, using the information obtained in these pilot site projects.

Partners

University of Barcelona’s Geology, Hydrology and Pharmacy departments

Included as a pilot site in a wider project called EcoQuarry (Ecotechnology for Environmental Restoration of Limestone Quarries), funded by the EU Life program. The project is implemented across 11 quarries in Spain and Portugal. It is coordinated by the University of Barcelona in collaboration with 5 other research centers