Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran

Plant colonization on archaeological structures is significantly influenced by substrate conditions, including stone typology and microsite characteristics. A study at the Pasargadae World Heritage Site revealed that porosity and weathering of limestone, along with specific microsites like junctions between stone blocks (M1a) and large fractures covered by soil (M3), create highly favorable conditions for plant establishment. These areas require periodic monitoring due to their high risk of biodeterioration. The research assessed 142 ruderal plants across nine monuments, two types of stones, and eight microsites, demonstrating that substrate preferences play a crucial role in species composition, diversity, and richness. This insight is pivotal for integrating ecological considerations into the management plans of archaeological sites.

Hosseini, Z., Zangari, G., Carboni, M., & Caneva, G. (2021). Substrate Preferences of Ruderal Plants in Colonizing Stone Monuments of the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Iran. Sustainability, 13(16), 9381. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169381