Abstract:
The aim of this study was to develop a topsoil with ecological functionality to meet mine rehabilitation and reestablishment of the desired final ecosystem considering different technosols bioremediation configurations.
The substrates were amended with compost and malt residue to provide the organic fraction of the soil. In terms
of nutrient requirements for fertile soils to sustain plant cover, the best configurations were attained, and this
implies that the different amendments were necessary in influencing soil properties. The presence of Eragrostic
tef ensured absence of metal mobilisation and an improved soil structure. The results showed that amendments
and pH have direct linear correlations to plant growth. It was identified that dolomite (3%), calcite (5%) and
gypsum (4%) are indicative of both higher biomass accumulation and degree of germination. Technosols have
an improved soil-plant-water relations compared to that of stockpiled soil, therefore displaying potential for land
rehabilitation and repurposing of coal waste.
