Caractérisation des systèmes sols-plantes dans les collines de l'arc cuprifère du Katanga (synthèse bibliographique)

Abstract

Characterization of soil-plant systems in the hills of the copper belt in Katanga. A review. Introduction. The Copper belt of Katanga presents huge resources of Cu and Co-ore. On the copper hills of the area, mineralized rock outcrops and a specific flora have developed as a response to the high levels of Cu and Co in the soil. Soil-vegetation relationships need to be understood in order to develop biodiversity conservation programs prior to industrial mining of the copper hills. Literature. This paper reviews the current knowledge regarding soil characterization in the copper hills of Katanga and makes proposals for further research on the influence of the very specific chemical conditions of contaminated soils on the vegetation there. The focus is on the geochemical background and the bioavailability of Cu and Co. Much progress has been made recently regarding the identification of soil-vegetation relationships. Conclusions. Despite advances in this area, the issue of Cu and Co mobility within soil-plant systems is not yet entirely resolved.

Keywords

• Copper
• cobalt
• nutrient availability (soil)
• flora
• Democratic Republic of the Congo