Assessment of Land Degradation and Its Effects on Revegetated Plants at a Former Nickel Mining Site in Tanjung Buli

Abstract

This study examines and analyzes post-Nickel mining land damage that affects the growth of revegetated plants. Post-mining reclaimed land has a negative impact on permanent land damage. Land function is degraded and soil nutrients are damaged, unable to support soil fertility. Damage to soil structure, low pH (acidic), poor water and nutrients indicate the loss of soil function. Lack of nutrients, both micro and macro nutrients, will inhibit the growth of revegetated tree species. Organic matter mixed with coarse sedimentary rocks resulting from land reclamation cannot support plant growth. The influence of low-quality soil nutrients will inhibit the physical properties of revegetated plants. Data from the results of soil chemical analysis of mined land, physical chemistry of the soil, especially soil pH, soil texture content in the form of sand decreased compared to unmined land. The clay content of the soil decreased by 23.5% compared to unmined land with a clay content of 33%. Furthermore, the organic matter content decreased to a very low condition. This degraded land condition indicates physical changes in soil quality, resulting in permanent damage and an inability to support the growth of revegetated plants.