From lava to leaf: Physiological responses and trace element mobility in Tilia cordata L. trees grown in volcanic ash amended urban soil

• Published in: Urban forestry & urban greening Vol. 99; p. 128458
• Main Authors: Lo Piccolo, Ermes, Ceccanti, Costanza, Lauria, Giulia, Santonocito, Gianluca, Rosellini, Irene, Pezzarossa, Beatrice, Guidi, Lucia, Laudicina, Vito Armando, Baglieri, Andrea, Remorini, Damiano, Massai, Rossano, Landi, Marco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Inorganic amendment; Photosynthesis; Soil conditioner; Urban greening; Urban pollution; Water stress; Urban pollution; Urban greening; Inorganic amendment; Soil conditioner; Photosynthesis; Water stress
• ISSN: 1618-8667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128458

This study investigates the potential of utilizing volcanic ash (VA), classified as special waste, as an inorganic soil amendment to enhance tree growth and resilience in urban areas near volcanic regions. Lime trees were transplanted into pots filled with urban soil (Cnt) or amended with 10 % VA. Tree’s physiological traits were monitored over the growing season. Notably, VA-treated trees showed improved net CO2 assimilation (Pn) and stomatal conductance (gs) during the leaf senescent stage. The analysis of ash, and Cnt and VA soils, showed low concentrations of trace elements. In addition, trace element accumulation in the leaves of VA trees was not observed. In summer, during a 12-day drought stress test, VA-stressed trees exhibited enhanced water absorption, reduced lipid peroxidation, and higher Pn and gs values in the initial days compared to control-stressed trees. Importantly, the VA also promoted a 33 % larger tree root system, potentially enhancing drought resilience. This could offer an important advantage for trees, especially during the tree's critical establishment phase. Thus, VA could be a promising amendment for urban soils to bolster tree tolerance to drought. [Display omitted] •Volcanic ash (VA) in landfills represents a high cost for municipalities.•No accumulation of trace elements was observed in VA-amended plants.•The root apparatus increased by 33 % in trees grown in soil amended with VA.•VA trees increased Tillia cordata tolerance to drought stress.