Maize Nutrient Translocation on Reclaimed Gold Mining Soil with EFB Compost, Clay, and Lime

Abstract

Artisanal gold mining commonly produces soils with poor fertility, low nutrient retention, and unfavorable chemical properties, which constrain crop establishment and productivity. Soil reclamation in these conditions necessitates not only improved soil quality but also effective nutrient uptake and allocation within the plant. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) compost, clay soil, and lime on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in different maize organs grown on post-mining soil. Researchers conducted a pot experiment using a factorial randomized complete block design with three factors: 1) EFB compost at 6, 12, and 18 tons per hectare (t ha⁻¹); 2) clay soil at 10 and 20%; and 3) lime at 0.5 and 1 t ha⁻¹. After harvest, maize plants were separated into roots, stems, leaves, and grain, and tissue concentrations of N, P, and K were determined. The data were then analyzed using a statistical test called "ANOVA," followed by a more detailed test called "Tukey's test," which was performed at a significance level of 5%. The results showed clear organ-specific patterns of nutrient accumulation. The highest N concentration was found in the grain (1.95%), the highest P concentration in the roots (0.37%), and the highest K concentration in the leaves (3.07%), all under treatment A3B1C1. In general, the highest compost dose, when combined with clay soil and lime, consistently increased nutrient concentration across different parts of the maize plant. The findings suggest that using EFB compost, clay soil, and lime together can effectively improve nutrient availability, uptake, and partitioning in maize grown on post-mining soil. This strategy has the potential to support the productive reuse of degraded artisanal mining land.