Indigenous Ni-resistant bacteria and hydroseeding influence early revegetation and Ni-uptake on contrasting nickel laterite overburdens

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of indigenous Ni-resistant bacteria (NiRB) to improve early-stage revegetation on contrasting Ni laterite overburdens (limonite and saprolite). Laboratory bioassays and greenhouse trials were conducted to assess Ni resistance, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits, plant germination and survival, root nodule formation, vegetation cover development and Ni uptake. Hydroseeding combined with bacterial inoculation significantly enhanced early plant establishment performance under greenhouse conditions by increasing germination, nodulation and vegetation cover while reducing plant Ni uptake. Plant survival remained high across treatments (>80%). These findings demonstrate the integration of indigenous NiRB and hydroseeding potential to be applied to revegetation and phytostabilization of post-Ni mining.