Background and Aims:

Studies on rehabilitation of quarries are scarce in Mexico. In this study we analyzed the relative importance of plantations and natural regeneration on the initial recovery of vegetation in a quarry of the dry tropics. We compared species composition and diversity of plants established by both means, their contribution to vegetation cover and some functional traits that explain their performance.

Methods:

In September 2019 we marked and identified all individuals (planted and naturally recruited) established in 26 plots (18 × 3.5 m) where the plantation was established. Their height and crown cover were registered; samples of branches and leaves were taken to analyze some functional traits. One year later we registered survival and growth of previously marked individuals in a subsample of the plots.

Key results:

The contribution of natural regeneration to vegetation cover was much higher (81%) than that of the plantation (19%); its diversity was also higher. Species from natural regeneration had low values of wood density and leaf dry matter content, as well as Senecio salignus, the planted species having a larger crown cover. Except for Dodonaea viscosa, species with higher wood density had lower survival and/or growth.

Conclusions:

The large contribution of natural regeneration to initial vegetation cover, one of the first objectives of rehabilitation, is remarkable; its abundance and diversity were favored by proximity to a mature forest. Six of the planted species had a good performance, so we recommend their use in the future. When there is no nearby source of propagules, the presence of naturally established species can be promoted by seed sowing or plantations.