Nitrogen Fixation (Acetylene Reduction) Associated with Rhizosheaths of Indian Ricegrass Used in Stabilization of the Slick Rock, Colorado Tailings Pile

Abstract

Indian ricegrass sown on a sandy soil covering a uranium mine tailings exhibited associative nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction). Acetylene reduction rates for whole plants varied from 2,100 to 19,500 nm/4 days. Nitrogen fixation was associated with the rhizosheaths. It is suggested that the reclamation of mine tailings in arid climates may be facilitated by stabilizing sandy textured coverings with rhizosheath-forming grasses.