Multipurpose tree species (MPT): bioremediation of soil through MPTs

Definition of Multipurpose tree species (MPT): 

Tree species that serve various purposes for both people and the environment are referred to as multipurpose trees (MPTs). Food, fuelwood, medicine, soil protection, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation are just a few examples of these advantages. MPTs play a significant role in environmentally sustainable land use and development since they provide a variety of services that meet the various demands of local populations. These are very important parts of agroforestry and can be used for the bioremediation of soils in various ways. Examples of multipurpose tree species (MPTs) includes Neem (Azadirachta indica), Jatropha (Jatropha curcas), Grevillea (Grevillea robusta), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Agroforestry trees like Acacia spp., Leucaena spp., and Gliricidia sepium etc.

     

        Acacia                         Gliricidia                        Neem

Characteristics of multipurpose tree species:

MPTs have a variety of characteristics that make them useful for a range of purposes. MPTs can support sustainable land use practices, enhance livelihoods, and advance environmental protection by offering a range of advantages and services. Here are some of the important characteristics of MPTs:

1. Fast growth: MPTs often have a fast growth rate, which allows them to reach maturity and provide benefits quickly. Fast-growing trees such as Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Leucaena can be used for fuelwood, timber, and other purposes.

2. Nutrient cycling: MPTs have the ability to fix nitrogen and other nutrients in their roots and leaves, which helps to improve soil fertility and productivity. Legume trees such as Gliricidia and Sesbania are particularly effective at nutrient cycling.

3. High biomass production: MPTs often produce high biomass, which can be used for fuelwood, fodder, and other purposes. Trees such as willows, poplars, and alders are known for their high biomass production.

4. Stress tolerance: MPTs are often capable of withstanding a variety of environmental challenges, including low fertility soils, salt, and drought. Trees with a reputation for flourishing in salty soils include casuarina and eucalyptus.

5. Medicinal properties: MPTs often have therapeutic qualities and can be utilized to address a range of health issues. Traditional medicine has long utilized trees like neem and moringa.

6. Conservation of biodiversity: MPTs can support wildlife and aid in biodiversity preservation. Ficus and Grewia trees are well renowned for their capacity to draw birds and other wildlife.

7. Carbon sequestration: MPTs have the ability to store carbon from the atmosphere, which helps to slow down global warming. Large amounts of carbon can be stored in the biomass and soil of trees like pine and oak.

Management of problematic soils through MPTs:

MPTs can be used to manage problematic soils by controlling soil erosion, cycling nutrients, adding organic matter, managing salinity, and remediation of contaminated soils. Using MPTs to manage problematic soils can help to improve soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable land use practices. There are numerous strategies to manage problematic soils using multipurpose tree species (MPTs). Problematic soils are ones with low fertility, excessive salinity, little organic matter, poor water retention, and other characteristics that limit plant development and productivity. MPTs can be used in the ways listed below to manage problematic soils:

1. Soil erosion control: By stabilizing the soil with their root systems and minimizing the effects of wind and water on the soil, MPTs can aid to control soil erosion. Deep-rooted trees, like pine and eucalyptus, are particularly useful for this.

2. Nutrient recycling: By fixing nitrogen and other nutrients in their roots and leaves, MPTs can help in the cycling of nutrients in the soil and increase soil fertility. Trees such as legumes, including Acacia and Leucaena, are especially effective for this purpose.

3. Organic matter addition: MPTs can help to increase the organic matter content of the soil by shedding leaves, twigs, and other organic materials. This organic matter provides a source of nutrients and helps to improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and biological activity. Trees such as Gliricidia and Sesbania are good examples of MPTs that can provide significant amounts of organic matter.

4. Salinity management: MPTs can be used to manage soils with high salinity levels. Trees such as Casuarina and Eucalyptus have the ability to tolerate saline soils and can help to reduce soil salinity by extracting salt from the soil.

5. Bioremediation: By absorbing and stabilizing heavy metals and other pollutants, MPTs can also be employed to treat contaminated soils. Poplar and willow trees are frequently utilized for this purpose because of their capacity to absorb and store large amounts of pollutants in their tissues.

Bioremediation of soil through Multipurpose tree species (MPTs):

Multipurpose tree species (MPTs) can be employed for the bioremediation of problematic soils that have been contaminated with hazardous chemicals such as heavy metals and organic contaminants. The following are some strategies for using MPTs for the bioremediation of troublesome soils:

1. Phytoremediation: Using plants to absorb and eliminate pollutants from the oil is known as phytoremediation. Willows, poplars, and alders are examples of MPTs with high biomass production and rapid growth rates that are frequently utilized in phytoremediation. Through their roots, these plants take up pollutants, which they then move to their leaves where they may be collected and securely disposed of.

2. Rhizofiltration: This is the process of using plant roots to filter impurities out of contaminated water. Rhizofiltration is frequently utilized with MPTs with deep root systems, such as pine and eucalyptus. As the water travels through the roots of these plants, pollutants are absorbed and filtered.

3. Phytostabilization: This is the use of plants to immobilize contaminants in the soil, reducing their mobility and bioavailability. MPTs that produce high amounts of organic matter, such as Gliricidia and Sesbania, can be used for phytostabilization. These plants promote microbial activity in the soil, which helps to immobilize contaminants.

4. Phytodegradation: This is the use of plants to break down organic pollutants in the soil. MPTs that produce enzymes that can break down organic pollutants, such as willows and poplars, can be used for phytodegradation. These plants break down the pollutants in the soil, converting them into harmless substances.