Phytostabilization of acidic mine tailings with biochar, biosolids, lime and locally-sourced microbial inoculum influences microbial composition.

Abandoned mine lands present persistent environmental challenges and phytostabilization is an elegant and cost-effective reclamation strategy. However, establishing plants on severely degraded soils is problematic, often requiring soil amendments. In a greenhouse study that simulated in situ conditions, we evaluated whether amendment mixtures composed of lime, biochar, biosolids (LBB), and locally-sourced microbial inoculum (LSM) could alleviate the constraints that hinder phytostabilization success. In addition, we measured the influence of LBB-LSM amendment blends on microbial community structure in bulk soil and on the roots of Blue wildrye [Elymus glaucus Buckley ssp. Jepsonii (Burtt Davy) Gould].