Screening of Plant Species for Revegetation of Nutrient-depleted Mine Spoils
Sugumaran. M.P *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
Kiruba.M *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Sandhiyur, Salem Dt, India.
Porkodi.G *
Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Kudimiyanmalai, India.
Natarajan. K
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
Bharathi Kumar.M
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
Jayakumar.J
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
Gayathry.G
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
Kalaichelvi.K
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Vridhachalam, Cuddalore Dt, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mine spoils are characterized by poor nutrient content and limited microbial activity, posing significant challenges for revegetation. Initial analysis of mine spoil samples from the experimental site revealed low organic carbon (0.12%), available nitrogen (82 kg/ha), and sparse microbial populations. To identify plant species suitable for rehabilitation of such degraded lands, three pot culture experiments were conducted at the Horticultural Research Station, Yercaud. A total of 5 grass species, 7 creepers, 39 medicinal plants, and 21 tree species were screened using 4 kg of mine spoil per pot, replicated four times. Biometric parameters such as shoot and root lengths were recorded. Among grasses and creepers, Cynodon dactylon, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Ipomoea sp. performed well. Medicinal plants like Adathoda vasica, Ocimum sp., and Gloriosa superba exhibited promising growth. Tree species including Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Casuarina equisetifolia showed good adaptability. These findings provide potential candidates for mine spoil revegetation and ecological restoration.
Keywords: Mine spoil, revegetation, plant screening, soil restoration, biometric analysis