Abstract

Copper mining activities are very important in central Chile. Like other metals, copper is a nutrient for most plants at low concentration levels; however, at higher levels it may become toxic. At present, copper abundance in mediterranean ecosystems is unknown both for vegetation and soils. In this study, two localities of the Coastal Range in central Chile were studied. Copper content was found to be mainly related to site type, and secondly to the components of the ecosystem. Copper contents are similar to other mediterranean ecosystems of the world. Soil was found to represent the main source of data variation.