Open Collections

Abstract

Successful land reclamation depends on restoring functional ecosystems by revitalizing the dynamic relationship between plants and soil microorganisms. Soil, a complex living system, supports plant growth, nutrient cycling, decomposition, and water regulation (Ponge, 2015). At the heart of this process lies the rhizosphere—the zone surrounding plant roots—where plants release carbon-based compounds that fuel microbial communities (Rasmann & Turlings, 2016). These microbes, in turn, enhance nutrient availability, improve soil structure, and promote plant resilience (Jones, Nguyen, & Finlay, 2008). Harnessing these biological interactions is key to accelerating ecological succession in mine reclamation efforts. High-quality liquid bio-blends, particularly compost extracts and teas, play a critical role in reinforcing beneficial plant-microbe relationships. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on inorganic fertilizers and physical stabilization, liquid bio-blends can address microbial deficiencies, enhance plant survival and potentially drive ecosystem recovery in mine environments with heavy metal contamination or compacted soils. By integrating liquid bio-blends into reclamation strategies, degraded landscapes can be transformed into resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems.