Studies on Grass Germination and Growth on Post-Flotation Sediments

The sediments remaining after copper flotation (here referred to as to flotation tailings) are generally characterized by nutrient deficiency and heavy metal enrichment, presenting significant obstacles to vegetation establishment and the development of sustainable ecosystems. This research aimed to evaluate the germination and growth performance of eight grass species on these tailings compared to reference conditions. Seed germination was assessed across flotation tailings, sand, and controlled laboratory environments. Initial establishment success was determined by measuring seedling height and root length three weeks after sowing in a glasshouse pot experiment. The findings revealed that Bromus inermis, Bromus catharticus, and Elytrigia elongata were capable of germinating and growing successfully in the challenging substrate, indicating their potential role in sustainable land management. Despite demonstrating excellent germination and seedling growth under test conditions, Bromus tectorum was deemed unsuitable due to its potential for invasive behavior, which could threaten the sustainability of revegetation efforts. Furthermore, species commonly employed for the revegetation of difficult terrains, including Festuca arundinacea, Festuca rubra, and Lolium perenne, proved entirely ineffective for the sustainable treatment of these flotation tailings.