Lithium Ore Tailings May Increase the Invasion Potential of <i>Melinis minutiflora</i> in Native Areas Around to Mining Sites

ABSTRACT The growing demand for lithium has led to an increased focus on understanding the impact of mining waste on ecosystems in the surrounding area. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lithium ore tailings (LOT) on the growth and establishment of an invasive C 4 herbaceous species ( Melinis minutiflora ) and a native C 3 herbaceous species ( Stylosanthes capitata ) from native areas of Brazil. We grow plants in three substrates: soil without LOT, a mixture of 50% soil and 50% LOT (soil + LOT) and only LOT. Melinis minutiflora plants grown in the soil + LOT treatment showed higher growth and vegetative biomass production than S . capitata plants in the same treatment. Also, M . minutiflora plants grown in soil + LOT and LOT had a higher chlorophyll b index than S. capitata plants. The findings suggest that invasive M . minutiflora plants may benefit from soils contaminated with LOT. In areas surrounding LOT, M . minutiflora could establish, grow and spread faster, potentially affecting ecosystem processes. Understanding the impact of environmental disturbances on native areas and their consequences for the growth of invasive and native species is crucial for ecosystem management and preservation.