Work

Soil aggregate stability and pyrophosphate-extractable carbon, aluminum, and iron in Martabe gold mine reclamation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The success of mine-soil reclamation depends on vegetation recovery, the development of stable soil structure, and effective carbon stabilization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in pyrophosphate-extractable carbon (Cp), aluminum (Alp), and iron (Fep) and their relationships with soil aggregate stability across reclamation age groups at Martabe Gold Mine. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm from reclamation areas aged 0-4, 5-8, and 9-12 years, with natural forest as a reference. Cp, Alp, and Fep were then analyzed using sodium pyrophosphate extraction, while aggregate stability was determined as water-stable aggregates (WSA) using wet sieving. Relationships among Cp, Alp, Fep, total organic carbon, and WSA were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed a progressive increase in Cp, Alp, Fep, and WSA with reclamation age. PCA indicated strong associations between these parameters and WSA along the main soil recovery gradient. These parameters could be used to evaluate soil recovery, carbon stabilization, and reclamation progress. Soil recovery progressed from early to intermediate and advanced stages, but the 9-12-year sites remained below the natural forest condition. Continued vegetation maintenance, organic matter inputs, enrichment with long-lived species, and minimized soil disturbance are recommended to sustain recovery.

Source: Journal of Degraded and Mining Lands Management

DOI: 10.15243/jdmlm.2026.134.11239