Response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria to remediation abandoned solid waste of coal mine

Abstract

Abstract Coal is the vital resource of energy in China, but abandoned coal ash and gangue lead to the degradation of vegetation cover and reduce soil quality. Both arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play a key role in biogeochemical cycle such as soil organic matter decomposition, nutrition release, and energy flow. To improve and reclamation the soil quality and ecological efficiency of the coal mining waste, we investigated the effects of an AMF strain (Glomus mosseae) and a PSB strain (Pantoesstewarti) on phytate mineralization and subsequent transfer to the host plant (Medicago sativa L.) using a two-compartment microcosm with a central 30 mm nylon mesh barrier. The results showed that significantly higher available P (AP), above ground biomass (AGB) and underground biomass (UGB) were in combined inoculation of AMF-PSB than other treatments in root and hyphae compartment. The microbial inoculum of the AMF or PSB had a significant influence on soil acid phosphatase activities (ACP). AMF-PSB enhanced phytate mineralization, improved plant biomass. AP and ACP positively influenced the AGB and UGB. AMF-PSB could be used as bioinoculant to enhance sustainable production of the plant in abandoned solid waste of coal mine.

Keywords

• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
• Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria
• Abandoned solid waste
• Ecological reclamation
• Coal mine