Soil Quality Assessment Using The VESS Method on The Reclamation Land of PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk

Abstract

Open mining activities, particularly limestone, result in forest degradation and soil quality decline. PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk implements reclamation to restore land. This study aims to analyze VESS soil quality and examine the relationship between VESS scores and physical and chemical soil properties. The measured parameters include VESS scores and physical and chemical soil properties. The data were analyzed using influence tests and Pearson correlation tests. The results showed VESS values ranging from Sq 2,84–4,51. VESS values in monoculture land fall into the medium category, agroforestry land into the low category, and open land into the lowest category. Vegetation type, canopy density, litter moisture content, and litter weight also affect VESS values in reclaimed land. The application of an agroforestry system can accelerate improvements in soil quality. VESS values correlate strongly with soil physical and chemical properties. This indicates that the VESS method can evaluate soil quality in limestone mine reclamation areas.

Keywords: agroforestry, reclamation, soil properties, soil quality, VESS