Mine Restoration Research Articles

The where, when and what of phosphorus fertilisation for seedling establishment in a biodiverse jarrah forest restoration after bauxite mining in Western Australia

Fertiliser application to restore nutrients lost in the mining process and facilitate early plant establishment and growth is a key step in the restoration of sites disturbed by mining. However, few studies have investigated the effects of different fertiliser types and application methods on mine restoration outcomes, especially in highly biodiverse ecosystems such as the jarrah forest. This forest is a unique, floristically diverse landscape with species adapted to growth on a highly weathered phosphorus impoverished Ferralsol. In this study we investigated the effect of fertiliser type (rock phosphate, single superphosphate, and an NPK fertiliser), application method (top-dressed versus incorporated), and the timing of application (winter vs. summer) on the trajectory of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest restoration following bauxite mining compared to an unfertilised control. All fertilised soil had elevated Colwell-P concentrations (bar rock phosphate) and had considerably less N than found in the native forest, even after N fertilisation. Fertiliser incorporation resulted in a more even distribution of P down the soil profile and increased overall plant growth (as assessed by percentage cover) compared with either top-dressed fertiliser application and no fertiliser, potentially offering better erosion control. In contrast, native species richness was highest in the zero fertiliser and NPK treatments and lowest in the phosphorus incorporation treatments. On average, unfertilised plots had 10 more native species per plot than those fertilised with P only. Fertiliser application also reduced the abundance and cover of Bossiaea ornata and Lomandra spp., both of which are small slow-growing understorey taxa. In contrast, the legume Acacia celastrifolia exhibited a vigorous growth response to fertiliser, with growth being greatest when P (either rock phosphate or SSP) was incorporated. These data suggest that P fertiliser incorporation is a potential strategy to both maximise early plant growth and cover and increase the efficiency of P application. However, if the goal of restoration is to maximise diversity then moderation in P application and using fertilisers that also contain N and K may be appropriate.

A Multi-Criteria Approach for the Evaluation of Low Risk Restoration Projects in Continuous Surface Lignite Mines

The restoration of continuous surface lignite mines entering the closure phase is a long-term, complex and multidisciplinary project. During the evaluation of alternative restoration technologies, various environmental, technical, economic and social parameters are investigated. In this framework, for the selection of the lower risk restoration alternative, the analysis of the associated risks should be incorporated into the decision-making process. This work provides an overview of practical risk management problems and solutions in mining restoration projects. Moreover, it introduces a multi-criteria methodology for the improvement of the decision-making process in the evaluation of restoration alternatives and the selection of the optimal one, considering a continuous surface mining project. The proposed method is a combination of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for the quantification of risk factors and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for the ranking of restoration alternatives based on a low risk approach. The results of the case study indicate that the proposed approach can be utilized as a low cost and easy-to-apply tool, appropriate for coal mining operators, managers and stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation of post-mining land restoration activities. Furthermore, the suggested methodology could be adopted to support the risk management needs in the restoration stage of complex surface mining projects.

Response of soil environment factors and microbial communities to phytoremediation with Robinia pseudoacacia in an open‐cut magnesite mine

AbstractOverexploitation of magnesium has caused serious environmental pollution, and the ecological restoration of magnesite mines has attracted increasing attention in China. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of phytoremediation with Robinia pseudoacacia (RP) on soil quality and microbial communities in magnesite mines. Here, soil samples were collected from restored areas (R. pseudoacacia), natural forest (NF), and unrestored areas (CK), and the soil microbial communities were assessed by Illumina high‐throughput sequencing. Phytoremediation with R. pseudoacacia could alleviate soil alkalization and contribute to the accumulation of soil nutrients. A total of 531,329 effective 16S rRNA and 596,344 valid Internal Transcribed Spacer rRNA gene sequences were obtained, which were classified into 30 bacterial and 12 fungal phyla. The predominant bacterial and fungal phyla were Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, respectively. Bacterial diversity indices of RP were higher than those of the CK, both of which were lower than those in the NF site. While, fungal Chao1 and ACE (abundance‐based coverage estimator) indices of RP were higher than those of the CK and even surpassed those in the NF site. Soil microbial communities significantly differed among different treatments, and the effects of soil factors on microbial communities were comprehensive and not determined by a single factor. Generally, these results indicated that phytoremediation with R. pseudoacacia could effectively improve the soil environment of the abandoned magnesium mine, which provide useful insights and practical references for the suitable species that would be planted on magnesite mine for restoration.

Research on Dynamic Monitoring and Ecological Restoration of Mining Environment in the Source Region of the Yellow River

The source region of the Yellow River is facing with problems of local ecosystem degradation and reduction of water conservation function, and the ecological environment in the source region of the Yellow River is fragile. Mining development is one of the key factors affecting the ecological environment in the source region of the Yellow River. Based on the high-resolution remote sensing satellite data of 2015 and 2018, this paper carried out the monitoring of the current situation and dynamic changes of the mine environment in the source region. The results show that the main mine environmental problems, caused by mining development, in the source region are land excavation and land occupation, and the growth rate is pretty fast. At present, the recovery rate of mines is low, only 25.24%. According to the present situation of mining environment, regional physical geography and other factors, the mine damaged land in the source region of the Yellow River is divided into three types: the natural restoration areas, the general restoration areas and the key restoration areas. The ecological restoration of mines in the source region should adhere to the strategy of taking measures according to local conditions, and offer specific ecological restoration proposals for each type of areas. The ecological restoration of mines in the source region should focus on water conservation, strengthen the restoration of stocking mine damaged land, study the permitting mechanism of mining activities, and reinforce the function of regional ecological protection.

ADAPTABLE PLANTS FOR ACIDIC WASTEWATER SEDIMENT OF COPPER SULFIDE MINES

The treatment of acidic wastewater of copper sulfide produces a huge amount of sediment, which can be processed into the planting matrix for ecological restoration of mines. This paper attempts to screen out the plants suitable for the acidic wastewater sediment, laying the basis for ecological restoration of mines. Therefore, 14 plant species were selected for preliminary tests on survival rate and growth tests in sediment pond. The survival rates and growth conditions of each plant species in the sediment (planting matrix) were observed and recorded, and subjected to comparative analysis of planting data of test plots. The results about 14 plant growth data show that Dracocephalum moldavica, Lolium perenne L., Photinia fraseri Dress, Ligustrum compactum (Wall. ex G. Don) Hook. F, Robinia pseudoacacia and Populus tomentosa boast high survival rate, fast growth and good greening effect. These species can be used as the pioneer plants adaptable to acidic wastewater sediment.

Remote sensing investigation of sand mining in Wenzhou based on domestic satellite data

Taking the domestic high-resolution satellite image data obtained in 2018 as the information source, the remote sensing image was processed, and part of the map spots were verified in the field. Combined with the natural environment, topography and geomorphology of Wenzhou City, the sand mining of Oujiang, Feiyun and Aojiang in Wenzhou City was investigated and monitored by remote sensing. Through the application research, the current situation of sand mining in Wenzhou City is found out, which can provide scientific basis for the government to make the next decision of sand mining restoration and management and the reasonable development and utilization planning of mineral resources.

The situation and typical model of mine environment restoration and treatment in Su Hu Area based on Remote Sensing Technology

With the increasing development and utilization of mines in China, the economic development is accompanied by the destruction of the geological environment of mines. The state vigorously promotes the construction of ecological civilization, and the restoration and treatment of mine environment has become increasingly important. Based on remote sensing technology and high-resolution remote sensing image, this paper investigates the situation of mine environment restoration and treatment in Su Hu area, and discusses typical cases of mine environment restoration and treatment, so as to provide reference for mine restoration and treatment.

浅析矿山生态修复技术和绿化植物配置原则

浅析矿山生态修复技术和绿化植物配置原则

Monitoring Mining Disturbance and Restoration over RBM Site in South Africa Using LandTrendr Algorithm and Landsat Data

Considering the negative impact of mining on ecosystems in mining areas, the South African government legislated the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002), to compel mining companies to restore the land affected by mining. Several studies have used remotely sensed data to observe the status and dynamics of surface mines. Advances in remote sensing along the cloud-based Google Earth Engine (GEE) now promise an enhanced observation strategy for improved monitoring of mine environments. Despite these advances, land rehabilitation at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is mainly restricted to field-based approaches which are unable to reveal seamless patterns of disturbance and restoration. Here, we illustrate the value of the trajectory-based LandTrendr algorithm in conjunction with GEE for mine rehabilitation studies. Our automated method produced disturbance and recovery patterns (1984–2018) over the RBM site. The study revealed that RBM has progressively been mining different portions of the mineral-rich coastal area after which restoration was undertaken. The duration of mining over each site ranged from 2 to 6 years. The LandTrendr outputs correspond with independent reference datasets that were classified with an overall accuracy of 99%; it captures mine-induced disturbance efficiently and offers a practical tool for mine restoration management.

On the feasibility of South African coal waste for production of ‘FabSoil’, a Technosol

Appropriate handling and disposal of coal waste is key to maximizing a sustainable approach towards coal processing activities. This paper investigates the feasibility of using the desulfurised fraction of coal processing slurry (<500 µm) streams from a colliery in the eMalahleni coalfields of South Africa as the main component for the manufacture of ‘FabSoil’, a fabricated soil or technosol, for use as topsoil in the rehabilitation of mine sites. Compost and anaerobic digester sludge were added as organic matter and nutrient source, whilst malt residue was used as physical ameliorant. Native soil from the study area was used as control. Validation of the potential of the fabricated soils was conducted through germination and growth experiments using the grass species Teff (Eragrotis tef), an indigenous grass from the Mpumalanga region of South Africa commonly cultivated on degraded mine land. Results showed that soils produced with coal waste and native soil in a 3:1 ratio amended with compost or anaerobic digester sludge and malt residue had the highest biomass production after 90 days. According to this study, the use of these soil substitutes can reduce the amount of topsoil used in coal mine restoration, while also reducing the amount of fine coal disposed in dump deposits significantly. This minimises the land-use footprint and the social and environmental impact of mining activities as part of circular economy and zero-waste strategies.

Tolerance and vegetation restoration prospect of seedlings of five oak species for Pb/Zn mine tailing

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth response and vegetation restoration prospect of seedlings of five oak species for the phytoremediation of lead/zinc (Pb/Zn) mine tailings. Seedlings of Quercus imbricaria, Q. coccinea, Q. pagoda, Q. shumardii, Q. fabri were transplanted into pots containing Pb/Zn mine tailings to comparatively examine their biomass, root morphology, absorption and transfer characteristics of nutrient elements and heavy metals 30 months later. The results showed that all the seedlings could survive in the Pb/Zn tailings after 30 months. The biomass of Q. coccinea and Q. fabri decreased in Pb/Zn tailings compared with the control, while no significant difference were found for other three species. Compared with the control, root biomass was increased to some extent in Pb/Zn tailings except Q. coccinea. The lateral root morphological parameters were reduced only for Q. coccinea . Under heavy metal stress, nutrient concentrations of root and stem of oak seedlings did not change compared with the control. Generally, the concentrations of heavy metals in plant tissues were low, and the values of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were less than 1. Q. pagoda could accumulate more Cd, with concentrations of 22.4 and 15.1 mg·kg-1 in leaf and stem, respectively, and could translocate more Cd from root to shoot with TF of 2.3. Our results suggested that the seedlings of tested oak species could be used as the potential species for contaminated soil. Q. shumardii had the highest tole-rance with a low BCF and TF, implying that they were better potential candidates for afforestation and ecological restoration of mine tailings.

Fungal Communities Resist Recovery in Sand Mine Restoration

The restoration of vegetation post mining is particularly challenging in extreme conditions such as Mediterranean systems where soil moisture is limiting, soil temperature fluctuates dramatically, and soil carbon is very low. In such systems, soil microbial communities may play an important role in attenuating extreme conditions. Thus, vegetation establishment on such sites may be curtailed by depauperate soil communities. Soil fungal communities, in particular, are essential for nutrient turn over but we know very little about how these communities respond to mining and post mining restoration. Fungi may be significantly affected by restoration practises. For example, the inclusion of deeper soil profiles (i.e. “overburden”) into restoration events is rare, but may expedite fungal community development. We studied a successional gradient of sand mine restoration in a former Banksia woodland in SW Australia to determine whether soil fungal communities recovered after 13 years. We also asked whether the inclusion of overburden into restoration sites improved soil fungal community development. Overall, fungal communities did not return to a pre-disturbance state by 13 years, nor did the inclusion of overburden affect their trajectory. Longer term studies are need to determine when, if ever, fungal communities are restored, and what effect this has nascent vegetation.

Evaluation of the ecological restoration of a coal mine dump by exploring the characteristics of microbial communities

Ecological restoration of coal mine dumps has become a key factor in maintaining ecosystem health. Despite widespread recognition of its importance, relatively few studies have evaluated the effects of restoration. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the characteristics of microbial communities from a coal mine dump using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. We evaluated the differences in microbial communities among six different sites with regard to abundance, structural diversity, and multifunctionality. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) showed that several species exhibited significant differences in between-habitat diversity as biomarkers. Three generalists, i.e., Nitrosomonadaceae, Rhizobiales, and Acidimicrobiales, were identified using molecular ecological networks analysis. Redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling showed that microbial communities were closely related to environmental factors. Overall, our findings established a reliable method for identifying bioindicators during the ecological restoration of coal mine dumps and suggested that appropriate manual maintenance improved restoration efforts.

Bird services applicable to mine restoration: a case study of Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) burrow construction

Vertical banks in mining sites can provide safe nesting sites for burrowing bird species. These burrows can then, in turn, provide nest sites for species unable to create burrows themselves, especially in areas where the abundance of safe nesting holes is a limiting factor. Thus, primary burrowing species can provide ecosystem services for secondary cavity-nesting species. Our objective was to study the availability of burrows of biotic origin in mining sites, and their role in improving colonization and local biodiversity of cliff-nesting birds (birds that rely primarily on rocky or sandy walls to breed). We selected the Sand Martin because it is a colonial ecological engineer species that nests frequently in mining sites. First, we estimated Sand Martin burrow abundance and occupation rates and identified secondary cavity-nesting birds in 8849 burrows from 30 colonies in ten mining sites in central Spain. Second, we studied the dynamics of the Sand Martin burrows, by estimating annual construction and disappearance rates. Finally, we studied factors that could favour secondary cavity-nesting bird occupation. We found that Sand Martins burrowed more than was previously estimated in mining sites, and that their burrows were used by five species of secondary cavity-nesting birds. The number of available burrows each year varied due to relatively high annual construction and disappearance rates. Numbers of Sand Martin pairs and burrows in the colonies were the main factors favouring secondary cavity occupation. Our results support promoting Sand Martins in mine restoration projects, not only to benefit this endangered bird, but also because their ecosystem services can benefit other cliff-nesting species of birds, thus increasing local biodiversity.

Stabilization of toxic metals in three contaminated soils by residual impact of lime integrated with biochar and clays

PURPOSE: Mine and smelter soil contaminations with Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn have become serious problems in China, because of anthropogenic activities. Little is known about the efficacy of residual lime (RL) single and integrated with residual Ca-bentonite (RCB), residual tobacco biochar (RTB), and residual zeolite (RZ) on the stability of toxic metals and reduces their uptake by corn after harvesting of Chinese cabbage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A previous pot trial investigated L single and integrated with CB, TB, and Z on the stabilization and absorption of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn using Chinese cabbage, and corn was later selected as the test plant in the present work and grown in mine-contaminated (M-C), smelter heavily, and low contaminated (S-HC and S-LC) soils. Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable method was used to examine the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in M-C, S-HC, and S-LC soils, through atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results indicated that the maximum immobilization of Pb reached 63.9% with RL + RZ, Cd 61.7% with RL + RTB, Cu 94.2% with RL + RZ, and Zn 62.4% with RL + RTB, but RL + RTB and RL + RZ treatments mobilized Pb up to 22.44 and 19.9% and RL + RCB mobilized the Cu nearly 53.1% than control. The residual impact of amendments did not support to corn dry biomass and height. The Pb absorption in the corn shoot was significantly reduced by 35.4% with RL + RZ, Cd 65.2% with RL + RTB, Cu 25.2% RL + RCB, and Zn 44.2% with RL + RZ. The accumulation of Pb in the corn root was significantly reduced by 52.1% with RL + RTB, Cd 38.6% with RL + RZ, Cu 51.01% with RL + RZ, and Zn 62.7% with RL + RZ rather than control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the RL alone and combined with RTB, RCB, and RZ could be a feasible approach for successful remediation of Cd and Zn in mine-contaminated soil and Pb, Cd, Cd, and Zn in smelter-contaminated soils. Overall, the long-term residual impact of amendments for the restoration of mine-/smelter-contaminated soils should be verified under field scale.

Variable tree establishment in bauxite mine restoration in south‐west Australia linked to rainfall distribution, seasonal temperatures and seed rain

SummaryReasons for variable establishment of Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata D. Don ex Sm.) and Marri (Corymbia calophylla (Lindl). K. D. Hill &amp; L. A. S. Johnson) on restored forest sites after bauxite mining in south‐west Australia are not well understood. To refine restoration outcomes, we compiled tree seedling density establishment data from surveys of 654 previously mined sites restored between 1998 and 2017, and applied generalised linear models to discriminate the effects of 24 climatic and restoration practice variables. Final models explained 50% and 31% of the variation in Jarrah and Marri density, respectively. Broadcast seeding and fertiliser rates were positively related to seedling density. A more even rainfall distribution in the early wet season increased seedling density. However, persistent rain later in the wet season decreased density, possibly as a result of ripline soil saturation or ponding. Higher average daily maximum temperatures in the dry season decreased seedling density probably due to drought stress, but warmer daily temperature minima in both wet and dry seasons increased density. Seed rain from surrounding unmined forest was implicated as a significant, but highly variable, source of additional seed to restored sites. Restoration practices that influence soil moisture relations (tillage, depth and texture of returned soil), shallow burial of applied seed and timing of fertiliser application are likely to be important in refining restoration outcomes.

Quantifying and modeling sediment yields from interrill erosion under armouring

Surface soil properties can change as a result of soil disturbances, erosion, or deposition. When soils contain rock, surface soil properties can also change over time as a result of the process of soil armouring, which is the selective removal of finer particles by erosion, leaving an armoured layer of coarser particles that may reduce further soil loss. Rapid armouring is typically reported in steep and bare slopes on mine sites, construction sites, road embankments, and also rangelands. Changes in surface soil properties over time induced by armouring are not accounted for in current erosion models such as WEPP or RUSLE2 because little is known about rates of armouring over time as a function of rainfall intensity, rock content, slopes, and other factors. In this paper we simulate soil armouring induced by interrill erosion in two sets of experiments and propose ways to account for the process in WEPP and RUSLE2 without modifying the science behind the models. The first set of experiments was conducted to demonstrate and quantify the effect of armouring on sediment yields under varying rainfall intensities. Rainfall with intensities ranging from 22 to 80 mm h−1 was simulated on 0.56 m2 plots at slopes of 18 degrees (32.5%) using topsoil with high rock content from a mine restoration site. Results showed a clear relationship between rainfall intensity and armouring. There was an over 75% reduction in total soil loss under 22 mm h−1 rainfall between freshly applied soils and highly armoured soils at the same slope. A second set of experiments was conducted to understand the relationships between soil rock content, rate of surface rock cover change, slope change and sediment yields. Sediment yields and surface rock cover were quantified for non-cohesive soils consisting of glass beads with a diameter range of 45 to 90 μm and 0, 20 and 40% rock content in 0.22 m2 plots at a 15° (26.8%) slope under 80 mm h−1 simulated rainfall. Linear relationships were observed between cumulative sediment yields and rock cover, and exponential relationships between total runoff and rock cover. The armouring process was modeled at the experimental scale with WEPP and RUSLE2 by iteratively altering the rock cover and the slope over time. WEPP event based simulations at this scale resulted in reasonable predictions of sediment yields throughout the armouring process, and RUSLE2 required modification of soil erodibility values to account for high rock content and changes in runoff over time. Automation of this process, however, would require modifications of the models to expose rock cover and change slope over time. A method for doing this is discussed for interrill processes, but interactions between rill erosion and armouring need further study. The effect of long-slope high-energy rill flows on armouring also needs further investigation through field scale experiments, as this study did not examine the extent to which rock is uncovered and/or moved on long slopes differently from the residues already modeled in WEPP and RUSLE2.

Monitoring soil biological properties during the restoration of a phosphate mine under different tree species and plantation types

Open-pit mining activities for minerals and metals have left an international legacy of highly polluted soils and degraded landscapes. Reforestation is usually supposed to restore soil fertility and ecosystem services, and therefore to remediate and recover polluted sites. However, our understanding of the effects of tree species and recovery time on the restoration of abiotic and biotic soil properties remains scarce. In this study, the effects of a series of restoration chronosequence (unrestored control, 10-year, 20-year, and natural forest) and plantation types (nitrogen-fixing broad-leaved Alnus nepalensis and coniferous Cupressus torulosa monocultures, as well as their mixed plantation) on soil physicochemical and biological properties were explored in a phosphate mine. Our results showed that soil quality index (SQI), which integrates important soil physical, chemical, and biological parameters including bulk density, soil organic carbon and microbial biomass, could provide valuable information about soil health. The average SQI values of 20-year plantations were 1.55 times of 10-year plantations, and the mixed plantation was 1.13 and 1.27 times of A. nepalensis and C. torulosa monoculture, respectively. Thus, recovery time, as well as plantation type, were the main determinants of the alterations in key soil conditions during the phosphate mining restoration. At the beginning restoration (10 years), A. nepalensis monoculture performed better than C. torulosa, providing an efficient restoration strategy for early revegetation. The mixed plantation of C. torulosa and A. nepalensis showed the higher moisture and soil organic carbon than did the monocultures, especially after 20 years of revegetation. Hence, our findings address a helpful guideline for selection of tree species and plantation practices, thereby aiding in long-term success of restoration.

The addition of mine waste rock to topsoil improves microsite potential and seedling emergence from broadcast seeds in an arid environment

This study investigated the effect of method of blending and spreading topsoil-waste rock (as dictated by waste dump position), rock addition, topsoil source and seed burial on seedling emergence from seeds broadcast onto mine restoration sites. Seed of 10 species were surface sown onto a waste rock dump plateau with six cover treatments spread by loose tipping; three topsoil source treatments (sand dunes, sandplains and stony hills) x two waste rock treatments (topsoil mixed and without waste rock). Emergence was greater on the waste dump plateau than slopes, where very few seedlings emerged. On the waste dump plateau, the addition of rock to topsoil increased seedling emergence >2.5-fold. Soil surface temperatures were cooler and water content at a depth of 2 cm was higher in topsoil mixed with rock than without rock. Higher seedling emergence with the addition of rock to topsoil was due to the creation of microsites where sub-soil moisture was retained for longer durations. Lack of emergence on waste dump slopes was attributed to relatively low surface roughness that reflected operational issues associated with different methods of spreading and mixing topsoil with rock on plateau versus on slopes.

Enduring effects of large legumes and phosphorus fertiliser on jarrah forest restoration 15 years after bauxite mining

Restoring nutrients lost in the mining process and re-establishing nutrient-cycling are often key goals of mine restoration. One common strategy to facilitate these goals is to seed fast-growing legumes combined with one application of P-fertiliser to maximise legume growth and increase soil-N. However, the longer term effects of this strategy have received little attention. Here we report the results of a 15-year-old experiment that was established to test the effects of fertiliser-P application and seeding large understorey legumes, both singly and in combination, on jarrah forest restoration after bauxite mining.Fifteen years after the establishment of this experiment, the majority of the seeded legumes had senesced, with total legume cover having declined significantly compared with results of the same experiment at 5-years-of-age. Yet, despite the legumes having senesced there were still negative effects of both large legumes and P-fertiliser on species richness and abundance of non-leguminous understorey species. These negative effects may be mediated by the persistent effects of legume competition that was evident at 5 years and the accumulation of significant quantities of leaf litter and fine woody debris in the large legume × P-addition treatments. Compared with the 0 kg P ha−1 treatment, application of 20 kg P ha−1 significantly increased jarrah tree growth, but there was no additional benefit of 80 kg P ha−1. These data suggest that moderation of P-fertiliser and large understorey legumes could maximise understorey cover, tree growth and understorey species richness, and therefore simultaneously address multiple key restoration goals.