In the arid and semi-arid regions of western China, water scarcity is a significant challenge for ecological restoration in mining areas. A recent study led by Yinli Bi from the Institute of Ecological Environment Restoration in Mine Areas of West China at Xi’an University of Science and Technology sheds light on innovative approaches to tackle this issue. Published in *Meitian dizhi yu kantan* (Modern Geology and Environmental Protection), the research explores how soil layer reconstruction and fungal inoculation can enhance plant water use in waste dumps, offering promising solutions for the energy sector.
The study focuses on the Heidaigou open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia, where water scarcity severely restricts ecological restoration efforts. Bi and her team conducted field experiments using Amorpha fruticosa, a plant commonly used in reclamation projects, to investigate the effects of soil layer reconstruction and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on water use and plant growth. “Our goal was to understand how these technologies could improve water retention and plant growth in arid environments, providing a scientific basis for accelerating ecological restoration in mining areas,” Bi explained.
The researchers implemented four experimental treatments: three-layer structured soils with and without AMF inoculation, and mixed soils with and without AMF inoculation. Their findings revealed that three-layer structured soils significantly reduced soil water evaporation and prevented water leakage, effectively retaining moisture. “The overall water storage in the three-layer structured soils was about 9% higher than in the mixed soils,” Bi noted. This enhanced water retention is crucial for sustaining plant life in water-scarce regions.
Moreover, AMF inoculation played a pivotal role in accelerating water infiltration, reducing evaporation, and increasing water consumption by Amorpha fruticosa. The fungi promoted root development and photosynthesis, leading to a substantial improvement in water use efficiency (WUE). “AMF inoculation enhanced the WUE of Amorpha fruticosa by up to 2.3 times compared to the control treatments,” Bi added. This finding highlights the potential of AMF inoculation as a valuable tool for improving plant growth and water efficiency in reclamation projects.
The study’s results suggest that integrating three-layer structured soils with AMF inoculation can serve as an effective ecological reclamation measure for waste dumps in open-pit coal mines. This approach not only promotes sustainable development in the energy sector but also contributes to the broader goal of green mining practices. “By optimizing water use and enhancing plant growth, we can create more resilient and productive ecosystems in mining areas,” Bi concluded.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with the challenges of ecological restoration in arid regions, this research offers a promising pathway forward. The findings could shape future developments in reclamation technologies, ultimately supporting the sustainable growth of the mining industry and the broader environment. With further research and application, these innovative approaches may become standard practices in the quest for greener and more efficient mining operations.