Environmental Aspects Of Phragmites Australis Use At Fertilization Of Contaminated Soils

Abstract

In consequence of the mining and processing of the magnesite ore, some areas of Slovakia have strongly damaged soil, when pH increased to 9 and more. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil were changed, the erosion increased and phytocenosis decreased. A large number of the soils is impossible to use for agriculture. The fertilization requires huge resources. The future for the fertilization and prospective use of the soils is seen in the possible cultivation of Phragmites australis, which was selected in given area. It is an invasive plant with the possible technical and agricultural use. The use of Phragmites australis against strongly alkalized soils was suggested by previous investigation, as it grows also on the soils with pH 9.1 and produces very large biomass.

Thence during three years the most suitable method of the reproduction of this plant was investigated, i.e. generatively and vegetatively. On the basis of the statistical evaluation of the results it can be concluded that generative reproduction is technically more demanding and less successful, that the vegetative root segment reproduction is more suitable and can be recommended under these conditions.