Abstract
Unusual dolomite substrates present a phenomenon known as dolomitophily, which refers to the specificity of the flora that grows on them. Within the dolomitic flora, one of the most widespread plants in Spain is the characteristic species Pterocephalus spathulatus (Lag.) Coult., which forms whitish prostrate thymes. The present study focused on the knowledge about the ionome (or elementome) of a characteristic dolomite species and some of its applications, both in terms of its nutritional behaviour and in determining the factors that favour the rich and rare flora growing on dolomitic soils. Soil, foliar, stem and root samples of the species studied were collected from different locations in the south of Spain. The samples were analysed to determine their mineral composition. The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and the Translocation Factor (TF) were calculated, relating the values of the mineral contents in the soil, both total and phytoavailable, to the values from the foliar, root and stem samples. It was found that this species was able to accumulate some elements, including B, Cr, Cu, Ni, Ti, Tl and Zn, which can be phytotoxic in high concentrations, and are considered to be some of the main toxic metals in soils. In addition, it was observed that the plant can accumulate metals in the stem and leaves (TF), thus proving that it is capable of transporting them from the root to the aerial part of the plant. The data obtained may indicate that other species in the plant community may possess this bioindicator or even phytoremediation capacity.
Highlights
In the 20th century, other proposals emerged, such as Geoecology [5], which refers to the fact that plant distribution in certain areas is, almost exclusively, determined by edaphic factors
The current study focused on characterising the ionomic composition of this species, and determining the usefulness of its knowledge, first, to assess its potential value as a bioindicator species for heavy metals or metaloids in soils; and, second, to determine some reasons for the high richness and diversity of plant communities
The highest values for N and K were found at GAL, corresponding to Calar del Gallinero, and GAD (Sierra de Gador Sierran (Gador)), the latter with the lowest values for C
Summary
The influence of soil on vegetation has been documented since ancient times, e.g., Theophrastus (371–287 B.C.) stated: “And perhaps, it is appropriate to examine the places where each plant is born and where it is not. Because this is a conspicuous distinction and very characteristic of plants, since they are linked to the earth and not detached from it like animals”. This influence depends both on the chemical factors associated with it, and on physical and biological ones. In the 20th century, other proposals emerged, such as Geoecology [5], which refers to the fact that plant distribution in certain areas is, almost exclusively, determined by edaphic factors
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