BRIN Develops Bioreclamation Technology for Post-Mining Land

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has introduced BioReKarst 3S, an innovative bioreclamation technology designed to restore land affected by mining activities. This biotechnology-based approach focuses on rehabilitating degraded post-mining sites, aiming to revive both the physical and biological conditions of the soil.

Developed by BRIN's Center for Applied Microbiology Research, BioReKarst 3S integrates a three-strata revegetation method with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The core of this technology is Isomik MK1, a bio-fertilizer containing AMF isolated from degraded karst areas. This symbiotic relationship between the fungi and plant roots enhances nutrient absorption, particularly phosphorus, which is often scarce in post-mining soils, thereby boosting plant survival and growth.

“

The technology we have produced is BioReKarst 3S, three-strata mycorrhizal reclamation from mine to forest. The heart of this technology is Isomik MK1, a bio-fertilizer based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that we isolated from degraded karst areas.

Retno Prayudyaningsih, a lead expert researcher at the center, explained that the technology is essentially "reclaiming from mine to forest using three-strata mycorrhizal revegetation." She noted that Isomik MK1 is applied at 5 grams per planting hole, facilitating root system expansion and improving the plants' ability to access essential nutrients.

Beyond vegetation, BioReKarst 3S actively promotes the recovery of soil's biological life. Research indicates that within approximately 12 months of applying the revegetation and bio-fertilizer, the populations of soil bacteria and fungi significantly increase. These microbes are crucial for soil formation and fertility, making the restoration of biological activity a key component of the reclamation process. The revegetation strategy follows natural succession, starting with cover crops, followed by pioneer trees, and concluding with long-lived trees to establish a permanent forest ecosystem. The technology also incorporates site engineering, such as optimized planting holes and the use of hydrogel to improve water retention, reducing the need for frequent watering, especially during dry seasons.

“

Within 12 months after the application of revegetation and Isomik MK1, the populations of both soil bacteria and fungi increased. Soil microbes play an important role in soil formation and its fertility, so the recovery of biological life is an important part of the reclamation process.