Transforming Restoration of post-mining soils with Nature-Based Solutions in Tropical areas

Transforming Restoration of post-mining soils with Nature-Based Solutions in Tropical areas

Tin mining has severely impacted soil health and altered landscapes, creating a need for effective rehabilitation strategies to address food insecurity and climate change. Improving soil health on degraded, post-mining lands, such as those affected by tin extraction, is crucial for boosting food production and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. While several reclamation methods have been introduced, their long-term effects on tropical soils remain uncertain. This collaborative project, involving BOKU and ASEAN partner universities, aims to assess how various rehabilitation strategies influence soil organic carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling, and biomass production. The strategies include annual cropping (Indonesia), perennial cropping (Indonesia and Thailand), and forest plantations (Thailand). Over two years, field experiments will be conducted, alongside data analysis, to generate insights not only for academic purposes but also to inform local stakeholders and contribute to sustainable land management guidelines for tropical post-mining areas.

Thematic areas

Carbon farming Tackling pollution and restoration

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Partially targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Partially targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Partially targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Partially targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Not targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Not targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Partially targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Not targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Targeted

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