Early Establishment Response of White Lauan (Shorea contorta) and Lamio (Dracontomelon edule) Seedlings to Microbial Inoculants in a Mine Reclamation Site
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64612/ijiv.v2i3.103Abstract
The reclamation of mines is complicated as mine tailings can possess unfavorable soil characteristics like low pH, nutrient deficiencies/depletion, and potential heavy metal resources that hinder the initial establishment of vegetation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Bacillus-based bacterial consortia are microbial inoculations that are a sustainable method to enhance seedling survival, growth, and soil quality. The effects of AMF and Bacillus consortia on the early establishment, soil survivability, growth performance, and soil chemical properties of two native tree species: Shorea contorta (White Lauan) and Dracontomelon edule (Lamio) in a pre-existing mine tailing pond were evaluated. Seedling survival, stem diameter, and height were monitored over seven months, while soil pH, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were analyzed. White Lauan had high survival in all treatments (88.9–100%), with stem diameter development enhanced by co-inoculation with AMF and bacterial consortia. Lamio also had high survival (92.6–96.3%) and strong positive correlations between stem diameter and soil nutrients, particularly OM, N, P, and K. Co-AMF and bacterial inoculation improved OM in White Lauan plots, indicating strong synergy. While OM increased, N and P slightly declined, K generally increased, and no significant treatment effects on soil pH were observed. Correlation analysis showed species-specific responses, with Lamio more sensitive to soil nutrient status than White Lauan. Overall, microbial inoculation enhanced seedling establishment, growth, and soil fertility. AMF and Bacillus consortia were identified as a safe and effective strategy for mine tailings reclamation and reforestation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Doreen Mae D. Gayo, Dernie T. Olguera, Nympha E. Branzuela, Leo E. Ong, Edgar B. Solis
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