Changes In Soil Chemical Properties Due To Reclamation Of Bauxite Mining

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Agus Budi Gunawan , Kembarawati , Herry Redin

Abstract

This study aims to determine the characteristics of the chemical properties of the soil in the bauxite mining area according
to the age of reclamation, the initial setting of the environment and the location that has not been reclaimed. The research
variables were soil chemical properties including soil pH, N-total, P-total, C-organic, potassium (K), base saturation (KB) and
cation exchange capacity (CEC). Sampling at a depth of 0-20 cm as many as 3 (three) samples at one location, there are 5
(five) sampling locations, namely the initial environmental baseline location, mining sites that have not been reclaimed,
reclaimed land aged 1 year, reclaimed land aged 2 years, and 5 year old reclaimed land. The data was processed using the
Variety Print Test method on the observed variables to determine differences in soil chemical properties at bauxite mining
sites according to the age of reclamation, land has not been reclaimed and the initial environmental baseline and to find
out which location gives a significant difference using the LSD Test (Least Significant Difference). The results of the study
found significant differences in soil chemical properties according to the age of reclamation, the location has not been
reclaimed and the initial environmental tone at the bauxite mining site for soil chemical properties, namely soil pH, N-total,
P-total, C-organic, potassium, and base saturation. However, the chemical properties of the soil, namely the Cation
Exchange Capacity, did not show significant differences according to the age of reclamation, the location has not been
reclaimed and the initial setting of the environment. Soil pH conditions are in the acidic category with a pH value of <5. N-total condition, P-total and C-Organic decreased with the age of reclamation and the location has not been reclaimed with
the value of each parameter still under the initial environmental baseline conditions before bauxite mining. Reclamation of
ex-bauxite mining land really needs to be managed and improved through regular maintenance in order to improve soil
conditions, especially soil chemical properties by providing organic matter, P and N elements and vegetation needs to be
maintained optimally.

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