THE RECLAMATION OF NICKEL POST-MINING LAND THROUGH THE PROVISION OF ORGANIC MATTER AND SELECTION OF LOCAL CROPS

The handling of topsoil at the beginning of mining is often neglected, and the conditions in reclamation activities decrease fertility, causing the growth of plants to be hampered. Therefore, this study aims to increase soil fertility through the provision of organic matter and the growth of reclaimed plants. The method used was an experimental approach. Organic matter was collected from modified komba-komba plants and was applied at 7 kg per planting hole. Furthermore, the reclamation plants, including Johar (Senna siamea), Cemara Angin (Gymnostoma rumphianum), Mango–Mango (Mangifera sp), Kusambi (Schleichera oleosa), Tumbeua (Kjellbergiodendron celebicum), Kamoni-Moni (Syzygium acuminatissimum), Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus), Waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus), Damar (Agathis dammara), Red Bintangor (Calophyllum inophyllum), Wola (Vitex cofassus), and Cholama Wood (Parinary corimbosa) were tested. The soil was observed at the beginning and end of the study, and plant growth, such as the canopy's height, diameter, and width, was examined every six months for 3.5 years (2019-2022). The results showed that the initial soil conditions had very low fertility. Plant growth variables had varying responses to applying organic matter from the time of observation. The growth speed of reclaimed plants also varies. Additionally, Kusambi, Angsana, and Wola are the most adaptable and fastest-growing reclamation plants concerning pH, C-organic, and soil moisture.