Low fertilization optimizes the water use efficiency of an Amazonian canga grass for mineland rehabilitation

ABSTRACT The peculiar characteristics of mining waste substrates represent a significant challenge for environmental rehabilitation. Here, we evaluated the revegetation potential Paspalum cinerascens on from areas Serra dos Carajás, region harboring large mine complex in eastern Brazilian Amazon. is native grass widely distributed canga ecosystem, vegetation type covering iron ore reserves. Seeds P. harvested were germinated sterilized quartzite sand and seedlings grown controlled conditions 90 days. then cultivated topsoil (control, without fertilization) substrate with half complete fertilization currently applied at beginning mineland rehabilitation Carajás. Regardless fertilization, plants did not differ carbon assimilation, tillering rate root biomass, despite higher leaf nutrient content lower root: shoot ratio when compared to topsoil. Compared control, led significantly taller plants, biomass reduced water use efficiency. Half phosphorus efficiency stomatal density. Our results confirmed that has adaptive traits grow thrive harsh post mining, can be used processes. Moreover, optimized loss exchange costs plant growth, an interesting trait experiencing restrictions.