Effects of Bauxsol™ and biosolids on soil conditions of acid-generating mine spoil for plant growth

Pot trials were conducted to examine the effects of Bauxsol™ and biosolids on mine soil conditions for plant growth. Sole application of biosolids did not significantly enhance the growth of the plant because the soils remained highly acidic with soluble concentrations of many metals in excess of toxic levels. Addition of Bauxsol™ generally resulted in an increase in biomass production by effectively correcting soil acidity and metal toxicity. However, sole application of Bauxsol™ did not enable meaningful establishment of the grass although the tree grew very well. The combination of Bauxsol™ and biosolids allowed the establishment of both the grass and the tree and therefore had the better effects on total biomass production, compared to the control and the sole treatments.