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Revegetating Mine Waste Using Bioaugmentation
Wastewater Reuse, the Impact on the Environment
- Revegetating Mine Waste Using Bioaugmentation
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Revegetating Mine Waste Using Bioaugmentation
Category : Soil Remediation
Project Description
Revegetation is a powerful tool used to retain mine drainage and stabilize waste rock piles after mining activities. However, promoting plant growth on mine waste rock piles can be challenging. These environments typically have limited topsoil development and steep slopes, which can prevent the root formation of planted vegetation. Applying biologically enhanced soil amendments to revegetated areas can increase plant density and root zone development. In the following case study, BioLynceus® Lot 125® and Seaweed Cream® were combined with mulching and hydroseeding methods to reclaim a mine waste rock pile.
A mining operation in Montana needed to revegetate four to five acres of waste rock. The pile had a steep slope and the topsoil (when there was presence of topsoil) was coarse grained. Furthermore, the available growing medium on the slope was low in organic matter.
Prior to starting the project that year, the mine supervisor was approached by a BioLynceus® representative. He provided several examples where Lot 125® and Seaweed Cream® improved root zone development and overall plant health for previous clients. The supervisor decided to try the products on one acre of the mine waste pile.
Lot 125® and Seaweed Cream® were added to the liquid seed applied to the rock slope. Hydroseeding methods were employed to spray the live culture mixture onto the mine waste. Additionally, mulching was added to the slope to improve water retention and stability while the seeds germinated. The added bioaugmentation cultures helped
promote nutrient fixation and uptake in the presence of limited organic matter.
©Article is copyright 2019 protected by Rick Allen, Environmental Concierge and BioLynceus, LLC