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Plant colonization on archaeological structures is limited by the substrate conditions of stone surfaces. Despite its relevance for ecological studies and the management plans of archaeological sites, the knowledge on monuments substrate (e.g., stones, microhabitats, microsites), which could be suitable sites for plant establishment, is an underestimated topic. Here, we aim to identify the substrate preference of plants in colonizing stone surfaces as a first step in evaluating the biodeterioration risk. We selected the Pasargadae World Heritage Site (WHS) for its variety of different conditions, and we assessed the substrate preference of 142 ruderal plants occurring on nine monuments, two types of stones, and eight microsites. Our data indicated that stone typology and microsite conditions affected species composition, diversity, and richness. The porosity of the different limestone and the progressive weathering phenomena resulted as relevant factors in plant colonization. Significantly, microsites as a junction of two stone blocks (M1a) and big fractures covered by soil (M3) hosted the most favorable conditions, which needed periodic monitoring during the maintenance activities of the site. Evaluating the substrate preference of ruderal plants can contribute to the identification of the high-risk areas for plant colonization, which need to be considered in the management plans of archaeological sites.
Zohreh Hosseini; Giulio Zangari; Marta Carboni; Giulia Caneva. Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9381 .
AMA StyleZohreh Hosseini, Giulio Zangari, Marta Carboni, Giulia Caneva. Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):9381.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZohreh Hosseini; Giulio Zangari; Marta Carboni; Giulia Caneva. 2021. "Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 9381.
Plant colonization in the archaeological areas, despite its relevant role for monument conservation, has not dedicated noticeable concern. For the first time in Iran, we carried out a floristic evaluation in an archaeological area and its biodeterioration hazard, choosing Pasargadae WHS. Among the 142 detected species, found in the 9 study areas of the site, 48 ruderal common species resulted widely distributed, with a dominance of grasses (mainly Therophytes and Hemicryptophytes) belonging to the Asteraceae and Poaceae families. The analysis of plant colonization identified 10 possible Micro-Sites of growth (MS = place of growth on stone observed at small scale), half of which are described for the first time. Besides the life forms of plants, plant colonization in specific MS was selected as a parameter for hazard evaluation. Then, we coupled this information with five determinant parameters for plant growths, having each one three classes of value to obtain the final evaluation. The colonization in joints and fractures of stone blocks, as well as the surface covered by soil, represent the highest hazard conditions for biodeterioration. Green-gray sandy limestone, which was used as a platform for palaces, had the highest colonization. The collected data will contribute to the site management.
Zohreh Hosseini; Giulia Caneva. Evaluating hazard conditions of plant colonization in Pasargadae World Heritage Site (Iran) as a tool of biodeterioration assessment. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2021, 160, 105216 .
AMA StyleZohreh Hosseini, Giulia Caneva. Evaluating hazard conditions of plant colonization in Pasargadae World Heritage Site (Iran) as a tool of biodeterioration assessment. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. 2021; 160 ():105216.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZohreh Hosseini; Giulia Caneva. 2021. "Evaluating hazard conditions of plant colonization in Pasargadae World Heritage Site (Iran) as a tool of biodeterioration assessment." International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 160, no. : 105216.