The operational areas in the Martabe Gold Mine managed by Agincourt Resources generally have a high soil acidity level which can be a challenge for plant growth in reclamation activities. One of the alternatives to maintain and improve soil quality is to use mycorrhiza as a biofertilizer.
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Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and the root system of higher plants. Mycorrhiza plays an important role in increasing nutrient uptake by plants through symbiosis by increasing the absorption area, thus helping to improve soil quality in mines to support the growth of reclamation plants.
Mycorrhiza also has hyphae that play a role in nutrient uptake and water absorption in the soil. The more hyphae, the more humid the soil becomes, even in dry conditions. This condition can support plant growth and development. In addition, mycorrhiza can also function as protection from pathogens and toxic elements, produce growth-promoting compounds, stimulate the activity of some beneficial organisms, and improve soil structure and aggregation.
It has been proven from various studies that adding mycorrhiza can affect important parameters in plant growth, including seedling height, stem diameter measurement, observation of leaf growth, seedling biomass, root-shoot ratio, and seedling quality index.
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