Effects of limestone dust on seedling development of six legume species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a12nV.4569Keywords:
Fabaceae, air pollution, plant growth, paticulate matter, semiarid thornscrubAbstract
Limestone extraction is vital for various industries and plays a significant role in the national economy. However, its extraction and transportation generate atmospheric particulate matter that adversely affects ecosystems, causing impacts that range from reduced primary production to biodiversity loss. This study evaluates the effects of limestone dust on the growth of seedlings from six native leguminous species in northeastern Mexico. Exposure to limestone dust differentially affected total biomass, biomass allocation between aerial and root systems, height, and crown diameter in Vachellia farnesiana, Ebenopsis ebano, Havardia pallens, and Parkinsonia aculeata. In contrast, no effects were observed in Erythrostemon mexicanus seedlings, while Neltuma laevigata exhibited negative responses across all evaluated parameters. These findings suggest that E. mexicanus seedlings are tolerant to dust-induced stress, making them suitable for use in restoration or pollution mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the species-specific responses underscore the importance of this information for ecological restoration, monitoring natural regeneration, and managing ecosystems affected by sedimentary particles.
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