Enhanced establishment of Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) seedlings for phytoremediation of Cu-Ni mine tailings.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of cow manure amendment and the method of planting on the growth, survival, and heavy metal accumulation of Colophospermum mopane seedling grown on Bamangwato Concessions Limited (BCL) mine tailings. Different planting strategies were employed where the mopane seedlings were planted with bare roots (devoid of potting soil) and without cow manure (T1, - CM - Soil); with the potting soil adhering to the roots but without cow manure (T2, - CM + Soil); with bare roots in the presence of cow manure (T3, + CM - Soil); and with potting soil intact together with cow manure (T4, + CM + Soil). Cow manure increased the pH of the mine tailings enhancing the survival and growth of the mopane seedlings.