Selection of Rhizobium strains for improved nitrogen fixation in mine site revegetation

Mine spoils are generally deficient in nitrogen (Ashwath et al 1993, Mulligan and Bell 1991, RUM 1987, Fitzpatrick et al 1984). This condition may result in failure, or slow growth of the established vegetation. Nitrogen deficiency can be corrected either by regular application of fertilizers or by inoculating the leguminous species with appropriate strains of rhizobia. The latter is preferred in mlne site revegetation as it eliminates the need to add fertilizers regularly, and avoids any off-site adverse effects that the synthetic fertilizers may have on the adjacent ecosystems.