Microbial response to designer biochar and compost treatments for mining impacted soils

摘要: The Oronogo-Duenweg mining belt is a designated United States Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site due to lead-contaminated soil and groundwater by former smelting operations. Sites that have undergone remediation—in which the O, A, B horizons been removed alongside lead contamination—have an exposed C horizon are incalcitrant revegetation efforts. Soils also continue contain quantifiable Cd Zn concentrations. To improve conditions encourage successful revegetation, our study employed three biochars, sourced from different feedstocks (poultry litter, beef cattle manure, lodgepole pine), at two rates of application (2.5%, 5%), coupled with compost (0%, 2.5% 5% rates). Two plant species—switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)—were grown in amended soils. Amendment soils poultry litter biochar applied resulted greatest reduction bioavailable Zn. Above-ground biomass yields were manure compost, or rates. Maximal microbial was achieved communities distinctly clustered away all other treatments. Additionally, had highest enzyme activity for β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, esterase. These results suggest reclamation using can mine-impacted biogeophysical characteristics, potentially future remediation