Potential revitalization of disturb land using TROPSEL 2.0: a case study for mine remnant, Kota Tinggi, Johor

Disturb soil cause by surface mining can result in some of the most difficult re-vegetation problems, which frequently lead to more persistent difficulties with soil erosion and sediment control. Rather than continue a cycle of re-fertilizing, re-seeding and replanting. TROPSEL 2.0 can aid specific strategies to achieve permanent stabilization and reforestation with little or no maintenance requirements. Tropical Crops Selection Advisory Ver. 2.0 Series is a multi purpose expert system for land evaluation. The model decision structure was based on the FAO framework of land evaluation. Information in the database incorporates 25 land characteristics used to determine 8 land qualities that were climate, workability, oxygen availability, flooding hazard, nutrients, toxicity, soil wetness and erosion hazard. TROPSEL 2.0 was used to find a potential use for ex-iron, tin and copper mine at Lombong Pelepah Kanan, Kota Tinggi Johor by analyzing the land characteristics of the ex-mine. Suitable plant for cultivation in the area was evaluated by entering the land characteristic data from field observation and laboratory analysis into the program. Data obtained from laboratory analysis and field observation showed that soil in the area were dominated by sand with soil depth less then 100cm. Stoniness on soil surface was between 0 to 90 percent and slope gradient from gently (2-5%) to steeply sloping (more 30%). There was no record of flooding and the soil was well drained. Electrical conductivity was less 2.55 mS/cm. The soil pH (3.4 to 5.6) and nutrient were low and high heavy metal content was mostly above the potential toxic level especially As content. Using these data in the TROPSEL 2.0, it was found that only acacia mangium was marginally suitable class (S3) for cultivation. Limitation was mainly caused by soil depth, stoniness, slope and imbalance nutrient toxicity.