Summary
This field study evaluated the potential of locally sourced organic amendments to restore nitrogen-fixing capacity and fertility in Bangka Island's post-tin-mining soils. Using a cassava–centrosema intercrop system with six treatments, the authors found that compost alone and combined charcoal–compost treatments substantially increased both the absolute mass of nitrogen fixed by the legume and nitrogen availability in the soil, suggesting practical pathways for agricultural rehabilitation of degraded post-mining landscapes.
Regional applicability
The United Kingdom has limited post-mining agricultural land compared to Indonesia and Southeast Asia, but the principles of organic amendment-mediated soil regeneration and nitrogen-fixing intercropping may have relevance for UK organic and regenerative farming practices seeking to enhance soil fertility. Transferability would depend on climate, soil parent material, and the availability of locally sourced amendments appropriate to UK conditions.
Key measures
Percentage of nitrogen derived from N2-fixation (%Ndfa); mass of N2-fixation (kg ha−1); total nitrogen uptake (kg ha−1); shoot biomass accumulation; soil inorganic ammonium concentration (µg g−1)
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrogen fixation rates (%Ndfa and absolute N2-fixation mass), crop nitrogen uptake, shoot biomass accumulation, and soil inorganic ammonium concentrations across six soil amendment treatments in a cassava–centrosema intercrop system on post-tin-mining soils. Compost and combined charcoal–compost amendments significantly increased nitrogen fixation and availability compared to control.
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