Use Of Topsoil Research Articles

Productivity and health of soil cultivated with forage cactus (Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill.) with combined use of topsoil and biochar

Agricultural production in semi-arid environments represents a significant challenge, as these are areas that have soils with limited nutrient availability and scarcity of precipitation, which require adaptive and innovative strategies. The application of biochar to improve soil quality and increase productivity has been well studied. However, there is still a gap regarding the use of biochar with the technique of incorporating different topsoils on plant development and soil health. This technique has emerged as an alternative for producers to increase soil fertility. This technique is emerging as an alternative for producers to enhance soil fertility. The hypothesis of the present study is that the use of biochar associated with the topsoil technique increases the productivity and yield of cactus, mainly by changing the properties of the soil and its microbiological interactions. To test this hypothesis, we used different sources of biochar (bean husk, coffee grounds and soursop residue) in association with two types of topsoil (Acrisol and Luvisol). Our analyzes revealed changes on plants development, chemical and microbiological soil attributes. The topsoil technique significantly interfered with mean cladode length (COM), stem diameter (DI), plant height (AL), pH, Na+, K+ and urease enzymatic activity, while biochar had a significant effect on microbial respiration rate. In general, our results expand the knowledge about the use of biochar associated with topsoil, suggesting it as a promising, low-cost way that guarantees the conservation and health of the agroecosystem, contributing with important information for the development of alternative technologies to conventional ones.

Topsoil volume optimization in the restoration of post‐mined areas

Transferring topsoil to severely degraded areas, such as mined areas, is an effective restoration technique. However, topsoil from pristine areas is a limited resource, making it important to seek techniques that optimize its use. Thus, this study assessed the effects of adding a small topsoil volume (10 L/m2 or 1 cm layer), a seed mix of 14 species, and litter (30 L/m2) alone and in different combinations in the restoration of a rupestrian grassland area degraded by bauxite mining. The substrate in the degraded area was turned prior to applying treatments. Vegetation cover, density of individuals, and species richness were measured 30 months after the experiment was set up. The isolated use of each material and the simultaneous addition of topsoil to the seed mix were not effective. The simultaneous use of topsoil, litter, and seed mix provided the best result, presenting the highest vegetation coverage (60%), density (67 ind/m2), and species richness (26 in 12 m2). Although, to a lesser extent, the combination of seed mix and litter also presented satisfactory results. The combination of the three materials promoted the revegetation of an area that had been without vegetation for around 50 years, presenting a density of individuals and species richness comparable to those obtained with the use of thick topsoil layers (15–30 cm). Furthermore, the topsoil volume used was optimized.

‘100 large fruit trees cut down by ISAF’: land, infrastructure and military violence

This article examines the military violence of land use and infrastructure. The analysis discusses the case of the British Army’s Royal Corps of Engineers in 1860s British Columbia and in Helmand, Afghanistan following the post-2001 invasion. It charts how across British colonial and liberal military projects, military infrastructure activities have mobilised towards the goal of capitalist development. Drawing analytic lines between the Royal Engineers’ activities establishing the settler colony and colonial capitalism in British Columbia and their role in imposing liberal social, political and economic norms in Helmand, the article puts forward an account of why, how and with what effect military violence can include things such as the felling of trees, the issuing of private land title, the use of topsoil for road fill or prohibiting local farmers from growing tall crops near a roadway. The central argument of this article is that we should conceptualise and understand military activities such as these as violence. This analysis develops understandings of violence within scholarship addressing coloniality, liberal war, settler colonialism; and land, territory and infrastructure. Beyond the immediate analysis of specifically military violence, this discussion has broader implications for understanding the nexus of infrastructure, land and violence.

Variation in soil characteristics of ex-coal mining areas in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra

Soil characteristics in ex-coal mining areas can be influenced by reclamation methods and the type and age of revegetation plants used. This reclamation can also significantly impact the soil chemistry of ex-mining areas. This research was conducted in ex-coal mining areas located in Parambahan, Batu Tanjung Village, Talawi District, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra Province. The objective of this study is to analyze variations in the reclamation process and their effects on the chemical properties of soil in these areas. Observations were made in several plots, including land that had not been mined (natural forest), land revegetated with Acacia in the planting years of 1992, 2007, 2010 (without the use of topsoil), 2019, and 2021, and land revegetated with Sengon in 2022. In each plot, soil samples were collected at three depths: 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–20 cm, to analyze soil chemical properties. These properties included pH, total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), organic carbon (C), exchangeable base cations (K, Ca, Mg, and Na), cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable aluminum (Al). The results showed that variations in the years of revegetation and reclamation practices, such as the use of topsoil and plant types, significantly influenced soil chemical characteristics. The longer the period of revegetation, the better the improvement in the soil’s chemical properties, as indicated by changes in pH, total N, organic C, exchangeable K, Na, Ca, and Mg, cation exchange capacity, and a reduction in exchangeable Al. However, the availability of P, as indicated by available P, decreased after more than 30 years of revegetation.

Okra Plant Growth Characteristics (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) with Different Growing Media and Watering Intervals

The composition of planting media and the right watering interval to obtain the best characteristics of okra plants need to be obtained. This study aims to obtain the growth and production characteristics of okra plants on the use of several compositions of planting media (topsoil; top soil and husk charcoal; topsoil and chicken manure; topsoil and vermicompost) with watering intervals (1 day; 3 days and 5 days). Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 repeats. Held in Medan with an altitude of ± 25 meters above sea level from March to June 2021. The results showed the best characteristics of okra plants, both growth and production were obtained in the use of top soil plus chicken manure media (9: 1). The best plant growth characteristics are also obtained at watering intervals once a day.

Technical feasibility of the use of topsoil in the composition of substrates of Caatinga forest species

Mining generates great environmental impacts, in addition to a large amount of waste. In order to comply with environmental legislation, the production of seedlings is one of the actions carried out, which requires a large volume of substrates, generally commercial. The topsoil it is a residue with physical-chemical characteristics with potential for agricultural use, present in large quantities, reaching 33 thousand m3. This research aimed to know the technical feasibility of topsoil added to commercial substrate for the production of seedlings of four native Caatinga species. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 5 x 4 factorial model, with five topsoil levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and four species [‘Canafístula’ (Peltophorum dubium), ‘Farinha Seca’ (Albizia hasslerii), ‘Timbaúba’ (Enterolobium contortisiliquum) and ‘Ipê Branco’ (Tabebuia roseo-alba)]. Considering the Dickson quality index, for the species ‘Canafístula’ and ‘Ipê Branco’, 74.1 and 36.1% are the maximum limits of topsoil and, for ‘Farinha Seca’ and ‘Timbaúba’, up to 100% can be used. In general, the addition of topsoil to the substrate will allow savings of 77% in substrate costs, making its use in the production of forest seedlings economically viable and environmentally correct.

Effects of ultramafic topsoil stockpiling during mine activities on its microbial diversity and other microbiological and physicochemical characteristics

Nowadays, ecological restoration is considered the best solution for the rehabilitation of mining-degraded areas, particularly when it concerns valuable ecosystems. This is the case in New Caledonia, a hot spot of biodiversity, with 82% of endemic plant species in ultramafic soils. The use of topsoil to restore mined areas is an important practice. However, topsoil stockpiling can reduce soil fertility. We studied the evolution of different properties of two topsoils stored in 10 m height piles on mined areas, in order to characterize possible degradations. The effects of storage duration, depth, and topsoil origin were analyzed, focusing mainly on bacterial and fungal diversity assessed after bar-coded pyrosequencing, and expressed by operational taxonomic units (OTU). Microbial activity (carbon dioxyde production), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spore numbers, bulk density and different other physicochemical characteristics were also determined. The studied ultramafic soils were characterized by a relatively high microbial diversity with 45 bacterial phyla and 7 fungal phyla. Bacterial and fungal OTU numbers did not vary significantly after 12 months of storage, but the community structures of these groups were changed. AMF diversity was significantly reduced by the storage. Microbial activity, AMF spore numbers, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) decreased significantly starting from 3 to 9 months of topsoil storage. In contrast, soil bulk density and pH increased, and extractable concentrations of potentially toxic metals varied only slightly. All the changes induced by topsoil stockpiling in microbial population structure, AMF diversity, and other biotic and abiotic traits may negatively affect soil functions and create perturbations of the reconstructed ecosystems after revegetation. It is then necessary to reduce the storage of ultramafic topsoils as far as possible. In all cases, the stockpiling should not exceed six months before its use in ecosystem restoration. It is also recommended to reduce the height of the stockpiles, when possible, to 1 m or less to minimize the compaction and the anaerobiosis.

Plant Community Diversity at Two Reclaimed Mine Tailing Storage Facilities in Québec, Canada

Mining activities generate residues during the ore concentration process. These wastes are placed into large tailing storage facilities, and upon mine closure, these tailings must be reclaimed. This study aimed to determine how different reclamation methods, involving combinations of planted boreal woody species and organic amendments application (paper mill sludge biosolids, chicken manure, and topsoil) affected plant community diversity at two tailing storage facilities in Québec, Canada. We recorded the composition of the plant communities using the percent cover of plant species within 1 m × 1 m quadrats. At the Niobec mine site, paper mill sludge mixed with topsoil enhanced total plant cover was compared with the use of topsoil only; the former amendment, however, reduced evenness (J′) and diversity (1−D) due to the increased growth of grasses and invasive forbs. At the Mont-Wright site, plots having received paper mill sludge mixed with a “Norco” treatment (a mixture of chicken manure, hay, and grass seeds) produced the highest total plant cover. The Norco treatment mixed with topsoil and the single application of topsoil and biosolids produced the highest evenness (J′) and diversity (1−D). Overall, organic amendment applications promoted vegetation cover on tailings and contributed to the colonization of diverse plant communities.

Ecological succession in areas degraded by bauxite mining indicates successful use of topsoil

Brazilian ironstone outcrops (cangas) are nutrient‐poor stressful habitat dominated by slow‐growing woody species with high biodiversity and unique evolutionary history. Mining has produced great impacts on this ecosystem. Spontaneous regeneration of abandoned canga mined areas has not been observed. One of the active methods most widely used for ecological restoration in environments where soil has been lost or severely degraded is topsoil transposition due to the physical, chemical, and microbiological improvement of the substrate, in addition to the seed bank. Thus, plant succession was monitored for 40 months after topsoil transposition in a canga area degraded by aluminum mining, without any other type of management. A completely randomized design with 70 permanent plots (1 × 1 m) was used. Annual phytosociological surveys were carried out and floristic and vegetational spectra were constructed with the life‐forms proposed by Raunkiaer. Floristic composition was compared with a reference site. Overall, 105 species were identified. Both flora and vegetation changed over time, increasing resemblance to the reference areas. The floristic and vegetational spectra after 4 years of topsoil deposition are similar to pristine ones. The vegetation spectrum showed an increase in the dominance of phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes, while therophytes reduced their proportion. The early successional stage is dominated by weeds, like in other canga restoration studies, but did not impede the native species regeneration. Cangas's species recruited well from transposed topsoil. Unlike other studies with fertilized topsoil, our findings show the efficiency of topsoil transposition to provide initial conditions for the ecological restoration of this ecosystem.

Thirty Years’ Quest for Emission Reduction and Energy Efficiency Improvement of Brick Kilns in Bangladesh

Brick kilns have been the backbone of the construction industry in Bangladesh due to non-availability of stones in enough quantity. Brick kilns in the country use age-old technologies, which are inefficient with high emissions. In addition, the industry uses low quality of coal as fuel, with high ash and sulfur content; there by contributing to the worsening of air quality. This paper discusses the developments in brick making during the past 30 years in search of higher energy efficiency and lower pollution. It is seen that the progress in pollution abatement and energy efficiency improvement have been slow; resulting in considerable health burden for the population and other economic losses for a long time. In recent years, some affordable designs of low polluting and more energy efficient kilns have been introduced by the Department of Environment (DOE) through a number of programs; including World Bank financed Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE) Project. These efforts have led to considerable pollution reduction i.e., by more than 70% for PM (Particulate Matter) and coal consumption reduction by around 30% at individual brick kiln level. Large low emission industrial kilns with imported technology are also being established. However, the rollout of these energy efficient and low emission technologies in substantial numbers is yet to be achieved. Some moves are also afoot to increase the use of non-fired bricks. In order to achieve quick all-round gains, both push as pull factors for the change in current situation need to be mobilized. What is needed is a well-articulated time bound ‘Theory of Change (ToC)’ for green and clean brick industry in the country. Success in this endeavor will substantially reduce the air pollution levels bringing health benefits to local population. Concurrently, it will also reduce the land-use footprint, top soil use, loss of agricultural productivity and Green House Gas (GHG) emission from the brick kilns. In addition, this will also improve employment and working conditions for labor employed in the brick sector. A simplified ToC for a cleaner and greener brick sector for a ten years’ period is outlined in this work.

Mn concentration and mycorrhizal colonization in understory native species grown at areas of manganese mine tailings disposal

Revegetation of areas with mine tailings should consider not only the best technique but also the choice of species adapted to this condition. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of plant species, their Mn concentrations, and mycorrhizal colonization after implementation of two revegetation techniques (replacement of topsoil with natural seed bank and planting of seedlings) in an area of disposal of tailings from Mn processing compared to a native forest area as well as to a place that was not revegetated. Plant samples (at least three individuals/species) were collected from the understory at revegetated locations and forest. The established plant species and their Mn concentrations, mycorrhizal colonization, and forms of Mn in the soil were analyzed. The use of topsoil led to greater plant diversity. The high concentrations of Mn in the substrates did not affect the occurrence of vegetation in the understory and mycorrhizal colonization. The plant species established in the revegetated areas differed in relation to Mn concentration (471–27,842 mg kg−1 in leaves), Mn translocation factor (0.2–125.3) and mycorrhizal colonization rates (1–35%). Four potential Mn hyperaccumulators species were identified: Aparisthmium cordatum, Clidemia hirta, Socratea exorrhiza, and Vismia latifolia.

Vegetation Cover Development Resulting from Different Restoration Approaches of Exploited Mines

ABSTRACT The vegetation cover development is an essential step towards the restoration of the ecosystems. In this work, we applied remote sensing to evaluate the temporal development of vegetation cover on exploited mines revegetated with five approaches: natural regeneration, tree plantation, cultivation of trees + herbs, topsoil replacement + tree plantation, and sewage sludge incorporation into mining substrate. Results showed that the natural regeneration approach would require a secular time to provide satisfactory vegetation cover on the exploited mine. Tree plantation required fifteen years to provide 80% of vegetation cover. The use of topsoil + trees or the incorporation of sewage sludge into mining substrates achieved the fastest development of vegetation cover (2.5-5 years) and the highest percentages of revegetated surface (80-95%). However, the floristic composition of vegetation covers is as important as their development, and some restoration approaches are reported to stimulate weed invasion while others prevent it.

Chemico‐mineralogical changes of ultramafic topsoil during stockpiling: implications for post‐mining restoration

AbstractLateritic topsoils, which are usually removed and stored apart before mining operations take place, play an essential role in the success of post‐mining restoration. They contain elements to recover chemical (organic matter, nutrients) and biological (seed and bud banks, microorganisms) fertility of the soil. Conserving topsoil fertility during storage time is essential for a successful use of topsoil during restoration. In this study, different chemico‐mineralogical properties of a lateritic topsoil from the Goro nickel mine (New Caledonia) were monitored from its original in situ emplacement on the soil profile, immediately after its stockpiling and after 24 months of storage. Our analyses show that topsoil experienced noticeable changes immediately after storage, mostly produced by mixing of different soil profiles. Cation Exchange Capacities and concentrations of most elements did not vary even after 24 months of storage. However, a slight reduction of Ni, Cr, K, Na and of the C:N ratio, and an increase of Ca have been observed. Stockpiling has not affected negatively the chemical fertility of the topsoil, although biological parameters should be considered to have a complete view of stockpiling sustainability.

TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA PEMANFAATAN SERBUK GERGAJI DAN PUPUK TINJA SEBAGAI CAMPURAN MEDIA TUMBUH BIBIT HUTAN TANAMAN RAKYAT

The purpose of this community service activity is to produce qualified seeds of forest plants, reduce sawdust waste and human sewage, providing value-added sawdust and human sewage so that it becomes more useful, reducing the use of topsoil, thereby reducing topsoil dredging. This service activity was conducted in August to October 2014 at Pulau Beringin Village, District of Pondok Kelapa, Central Bengkulu. The targets of the activity are the members of farmers and members of the youth group. The activity uses methods of counseling, training and demonstration. Making the mixture media from sawdust and humanure for growing media of community plantation forest seedling in Pulau Beringin Village is one right step in the process of sawmill waste business and household waste. Making the growing medium mixture of these wastes in addition to add to the skills of the members of farmer groups and the youth institution in managing waste can also be used as an attempt to increase the income of members of farmers and members of the youth group in the village of Pulau Beringin. Keywords: sawdust, humanure, community plantation forest seedlings, Pulau Beringin

Adapting Bioretention Construction Details to Local Practices in Finland

Bioretention is a method of storm water management that includes several processes following the natural hydrological cycle. Bioretention, or variations of it, include rain gardens and bioswales, infiltrates, filtrates, evapotranspirates, and help to store and manage storm water run-off. A bioretention cell retains water, removes pollutants, and provides water elements for urban green areas. Although bioretention is a promising method for multifunctional storm water management, its construction details should not be copied from other climatic areas. A direct application may dismiss local conditions, materials, and construction practices. This study aimed to adapt construction details for bioretention to Finnish local practices and conditions and to formulate bioretention constructions that balance water, soil, and vegetation. First, construction details were reviewed, then local adaptations were applied, and finally, the application and two variations of growing media in two construction depths were tested in a test field in Southern Finland. Sandy growing media allowed the efficient retention of water during the first year, but failed to provide vital growth. The use of topsoil and compost in the growing media improved growth, but held high electrical conductivity after infiltration. All the experimental cells in the test field showed activity during the melting periods, both during winter and spring. If bioretention plays a multifunctional role in urban design and engineered ecology, the design parameters should not only focus on storm water quantity, but also on quality management and vegetation growth.

Use of topsoil for restoration of a degraded pasture área

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of topsoil thickness, shading and origin when performing environmental restoration in a degraded pasture area. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with a factorial (3 x 2 x 2) + 2 layout. Treatments consisted of combinations of topsoil origins (forest at early or middle regeneration stages), topsoil thicknesses (10, 20, or 30-cm superficial soil layer), and presence or absence of 70% shading; with two additional control treatments. Surveys on topsoil physical-chemical attributes and flora and soil coverage were conducted. Good correlation was observed between bulk density and total porosity. Vegetation comprised a total of 2,932 individuals of herbaceous, shrub and subshrub plants; 33 species in 11 families and 1 morphospecies were identified. A floristic survey of the tree stratum revealed 235 individuals belonging to 21 species and 14 families, as well as 2 unidentified species. The best natural regeneration index is observed in the 20-cm topsoil layer, where shading exerts a positive influence on the humidity and natural regeneration of the seed bank. Topsoil from middle-stage forest is the most suitable for restoration of degraded pasture areas.

EVALUATION OF REVEGETATION TECHNIQUES FOR ROADSIDE CONSTRUCTION SITES

Vegetation is often used to control erosion on right-of-way construction sites, but disturbed conditions provide challenges. This research evaluated the impact of common techniques for preparing seedbeds. The study assessed the use of topsoil, and the use of a hydraulic erosion-control product was compared to straw. Experimental seed mixtures were evaluated to understand how native and non-native seeds performed. The intent was to identify critical practices to use in general seeding and mulching specifications. A plot study was conducted comparing vegetation established during one growing season. Treatments included combinations of seed mixture, topsoil treatment, and mulch types. Three seed mixtures were considered: (1) currently used mixture, (2) a warm-season experimental mixture, and (3) a cool-season experimental mixture. Plots with topsoil and no topsoil were compared, and both straw and hydraulic erosion control products were considered. Ground cover, compaction, and biomass were evaluated. Results suggest that alternative seed mixtures that include native and low-threat-level species can provide adequate cover to meet permitting requirements in the first growing season. The warm-season seed mixture provided less cover than the other two mixtures after eight days, but no differences were determined in ground cover among the three seed mixtures at the end of the growing season. Initial germination was improved with hydraulic mulch, but long-term cover was equivalent between hydraulic and straw mulch. Topsoil application would not be recommended if the soil contains undesirable species, and the use of organic amendment products may be more desirable than topsoil alone; however, specifications need to allow the use of these products.

English

Lack of suitable variety as well as appropriate growth medium constitutes major problems to flower production. It is against this backdrop that a pot experiment was carried out in the Department of Crop and Soil Science Demonstration Plot, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria between April and May, 2013 to determine the growth responses of two varieties of Heliconia flowers to selected growth media. The experiment comprised of two Heliconia varieties (Jade and Golden Torch) and six (6) growth media namely, topsoil (control), river sand, coconut husk, topsoil + river sand (i€±i€oi€±), topsoil + coconut husk (i€±i€oi€±) and river sand + coconut husk (i€±i€oi€±). The experiment was in a 2×6 factorial arrangement fitted into a completely randomized design replicated thrice. Results showed that topsoil + coconut husk (i€±i€oi€±) performed best at 4WAP by producing the highest stem height (8.7 cm), stem girth (2.9 cm) number of leaves (3.3), leaf area (41.5 cm2) and longest root length (14.5) and more roots number (4.1) and this was followed by river sandi€«coconut husk (1i€o1) while the sole river sand gave the lowest vegetative traits. There was no significant difference on the vegetative parameters of the two varieties of Heliconia flowers and also on interaction. According to this experiment, topsoil + coconut husk (i€±i€oi€±) growth media is the better one for the growth of these Heliconia two varieties of flowers in the area of study. However, it needs more study on soil to recommend for farmers and the continual use of top soil as a candidate growth medium need to be discouraged because it is non-renewable hence, in the absence of top soil, river sand in combination with coconut husk (i€±i€oi€±) could serve as next available alternative. Key words: Flowers, Golden Torch, growth, jade, media, responses, varieties.

Soil carbon sequestration and land use change associated with biofuel production: empirical evidence

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) change can be a major impact of land use change (LUC) associated with biofuel feedstock production. By collecting and analyzing data from worldwide field observations of majorLUCs from cropland, grassland, and forest to lands producing biofuel crops (i.e. corn, switchgrass,Miscanthus, poplar, and willow), we were able to estimateSOCresponse ratios and sequestration rates and evaluate the effects of soil depth and time scale onSOCchange. Both the amount and rate ofSOCchange were highly dependent on the specific land transition. Irrespective of soil depth or time horizon, cropland conversions resulted in an overallSOCgain of 6–14% relative to initialSOClevel, while conversion from grassland or forest to corn (without residue removal) or poplar caused significant carbon loss (9–35%). No significantSOCchanges were observed in land converted from grasslands or forests to switchgrass,Miscanthus,or willow. TheSOCresponse ratios were similar in both 0–30 and 0–100 cm soil depths in most cases, suggestingSOCchanges in deep soil and that use of top soil only forSOCaccounting in biofuel life cycle analysis (LCA) might underestimate totalSOCchanges. Soil carbon sequestration rates varied greatly among studies and land transition types. Generally, the rates ofSOCchange tended to be the greatest during the 10 years following land conversion and had declined to approach 0 within about 20 years for mostLUCs. Observed trends inSOCchange were generally consistent with previous reports. Soil depth and duration of study significantly influenceSOCchange rates and so should be considered in carbon emission accounting in biofuelLCA. High uncertainty remains for many perennial systems and forest transitions, additional field trials, and modeling efforts are needed to draw conclusions about the site‐ and system‐specific rates and direction of change.

Central role of bedding materials for gypsum-quarry restoration: An experimental planting of gypsophile species

The loss of the original soil and mineral resources caused by quarrying activities represents a major challenge for the restoration of singular flora associated with specific substrates. In particular, the rare and original gypsum flora is severely affected by quarrying, and identifying the best measures to recover it is decisive for its conservation. In this paper, we evaluate the efficacy that planting with several contrasting bedding-materials has for the recovery of three native gypsophile species in gypsum habitats affected by quarrying. With this aim, in a affected gypsum area in SE Spain, we experimentally planted one-year-old nursery-grown plants of Helianthemum squamatum, Lepidium subulatum, and Ononis tridentata subsp. crassifolia, employing four bedding materials potentially useful for restoration: raw gypsum, gypsum spoil, topsoil on gypsum spoil, and marls. Plant performance was evaluated in terms of survival, growth, and the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds. High survival was achieved in all the treatments, demonstrating the excellent response of these species to planting. However, bedding materials had a significant effect on plant performance, with raw gypsum and gypsum spoil being the options that most benefited growth and production (in terms of flowers, fruits, and seeds). Remarkable results were achieved in raw gypsum, although gypsum spoil appears to be the most reasonable option for restoration, given its low cost, wide availability, and potential to recover disturbed gypsum environments. By contrast, common measures such as the use of topsoil should not be routinely recommended for the recovery of gypsum vegetation. Hence, our study shows the importance of identifying the most appropriate measures when specialized flora is the object of restoration and thus will contribute to the development of strategies for the conservation of gypsum habitats affected by quarrying.