Soil and forest influence on ecological stability in a rehabilitated nickel mine-site in Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines

Date

2001

Abstract

The influence of soil and forest properties on the ecological stability of a rehabilitated nickel minesite in Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines were studied. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH and organic matter content were analyzed as well as plant structure, diversity and density. Further, the role of management subsidies provided by the firm and the role of external factors on the present and future ecological stability of rehabilitated mines sites were also investigated.Soil analysis revealed that there are low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter in all rehabilitated minesites. However, soil pH is within the range where there will be favorable plant growth and development. On the first two years of rehabilitation, the study notes a low density of plants colonizing the rehabilitation areas, however, as the rehabilitation species grow normally, a favorable microclimate for successional species is created. Rehabilitation sites ages three and four years yield at least eleven species of woody perennials. Moreover, the study indicates that there are faunal species movements within the reconstructed ecosystem and there is a high potential that the rehabilitated minesites will assume the role of natural ecossytem as habitat to native faunal and floral species. Acacia mangium showed high economic potential as rehabilitation species. The results of the study suggest that the management subsidies provided by Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation have been promising in creating favorable environment for regeneration of native floral species which will eventually lead to ecological stability of the reconstructed ecosystem.At present, the result of the study suggest that the rehabilitation program of RTNMC is promising, however the guaranteed success of rehabilitation efforts would be dependent on the management subsidies provided by the mining firms in general. Hence, it is necessary that the goals and objectives of the rehabilitation program be made clear prior to any reconstruction process. It is therefore recommended that : 1) the list of explicit goals and objectives should be the basis for setting the criteria for the evaluation of the rehabilitation program; 2) the rehabilitation plan should clearly state the end result of the rehabilitation including its potential and future intended uses; and, importantly, 3) the firms should employ a planning and management strategy that would accommodate the local community.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 2001 E8 M33

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