Effect of Organic Amendment on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Tailings Dam Soil and Root Development of Tree Species, Fifteen Years After Planting

Among mine wastes, tailings are known to have the largest environmental impact, as they high concentrations of trace elements and susceptible wind dispersal water erosion. A tree plantation trial was installed at Kipushi tailing (DR Congo) in order mitigate contaminant surrounding areas. Fifteen years later, present study conducted for purpose investigating macronutrient metal content amended holes assessing performance species through root behavior dams. Results show elevated available P, K, Ca, Mg concentration surface layers, which is higher than unpolluted soil miombo woodland. Trace metals were manifold compared pedo-geochemical background region, with Cu Co tending increase organic matter-rich while Zn, Cd, Pb, As remained tailings. Compared layer, roots grew well but few ranging from very fine big all surviving able grow beyond indicating possibility survival on dams over many years. Acacia polyacantha Psidium guajava that showed a quantity unamended layers. Leaves should be avoided human or animal consumption, Cu, guava lower, there no indication hazards case their consumption. Therefore, use well-adapted mix-up amendments uncontaminated topsoil seemed good technique reclamation larger polluted