Work

Perennial Legumes Pueraria phaseoloides and Leucaena leucocephala Exhibit High Potential for Fertility Restoration of Degraded Mined Soils in Ghana

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Rapid expansion of opencast mining in developing nations is exerting profound pressure on land resources, with the extent of degradation constraining the effectiveness of topsoil replacement and organic amendments in restoring soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) pools, which are key for soil health and productivity. Aim This study assessed the potential of perennial legumes ( Leucaena leucocephala , Gliricidia sepium , Pueraria phaseoloides ) to restore the fertility of mined degraded soils. Methods An on‐site revegetation experiment with a control (un‐revegetated) treatment and selected legumes was established. SOC and total N were monitored prior to and 2 and 5 years after revegetation. Two and 3 years after revegetation, maize was cultivated to assess soil productivity under the influence of selected legumes. Results There was initial decline in SOC and total N at early stages of revegetation. However, significant increases were observed relative to the control with pronounced effects 5 years after revegetation. Highest changes in SOC (3.4–12.4 g kg −1 ) and total N (0.3–1.1 g kg −1 ) were observed under L. leucocephala . Growth of maize revealed significant improvement under P. phaseoloides , attaining highest plant height (≈80 cm) compared to the lowest (<30 cm) in the control treatment 3 years after revegetation. Despite significant increases in SOC and total N, plant growth was generally limited. Conclusions Although legumes showed strong potential in restoring soil fertility, utilizing their full potential requires adaptive establishment strategies, especially for L. leucocephala , and consistent management of P. phaseoloides to control its vigorous spread and maintain balanced ground cover.

Source: Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science

DOI: 10.1002/jpln.70065

Authors: Enoch Opoku, Beloved Mensah Dzomeku, John Opata, Adam Muhammad Adam, Frank Rasche

Institutions: University of Hohenheim, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,030