The recent study published in the journal IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science by authors Sarifuddin and Tiara Azani investigates how various soil additives can restore fertility to peatlands in Indonesia that have been degraded by frequent fires. Specifically focusing on the Sei Kepayang District in Asahan Regency, where fires have occurred multiple times over the last five years, the research highlights the environmental disaster of soil fertility loss. By testing common materials such as boiler ash, biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, dolomite, and zeolite, the scientists sought to identify which substances best improve the chemical properties of the soil and support the recovery of agricultural productivity. Their work provides a practical path forward for reclaiming land that has suffered from extreme environmental stress.

The findings reveal that soil additives significantly transform the chemical landscape of burned peat, which is naturally acidic and nutrient-poor. One of the most important results was the impact on soil acidity levels. Dolomite emerged as the most powerful tool for raising pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More levels, successfully neutralizing the acidic hydrogen ions in the soil through a specialized chemical reaction. This change is vital because highly acidic soil often locks away nutrients that plants need to survive. While dolomite was best for acidity, zeolite proved to be the most effective at increasing exchangeable sodium, another key chemical indicator. These improvements collectively create a more welcoming environment for plant roots to establish themselves in land that was previously considered a potential disaster zone for farming.

Boiler ash distinguished itself as the superior additive when measuring actual plant performance and overall fertility status. The research demonstrated that boiler ash at a 5 percent dose produced the most dramatic results in terms of plant height, plant dry weight, and root dry weight. Specifically, corn plants grown with this treatment reached an average height of over 193 centimeters, compared to only 145 centimeters in the untreated control group. Even more impressive was the impact on biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More, where the dry weight of the plants increased from roughly 26 grams to nearly 96 grams. This massive jump in growth indicates that boiler ash provides a unique combination of benefits that other additives like zeolite or biochar could not match in this specific environment.

The success of boiler ash is largely attributed to its unique mineral composition and its effect on soil charge. It is naturally rich in silica, which plays a critical role in increasing root oxidation and the activity of enzymes involved in photosynthesis. Furthermore, the researchers found that boiler ash significantly reduced the naturally high cation exchange capacity of the peat soil. While this sounds technical, the practical outcome is that it increases base saturation, which makes essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium much easier for plants to absorb. By transforming organic matter into inorganic material that loses certain negative charges, the boiler ash ensures that the nutrients it supplies do not get stuck in the soil but instead feed the growing crop.

In contrast, while biochar and zeolite did show some positive effects on soil properties, they were less effective at translating those chemical changes into rapid plant growth. For instance, palm fiber and shell biochar helped improve nutrient dynamics but did not achieve the same height or weight outcomes as the boiler ash treatments. Similarly, zeolite’s ability to influence exchangeable bases did not result in a significant boost to plant dry weight. This suggests that for post-burning peatlands, the specific mineral profile of boiler ash provides a more holistic solution for fertility than the more specialized structural or chemical benefits of lime or volcanic minerals.

Ultimately, the study concludes that restoring the fertility of burned peatlands is not only possible but can be highly effective with the right application of industrial byproducts like boiler ash. The results prove that a 5 percent application rate can triple the growth rate of indicator plants, providing a clear benchmark for land reclamation efforts. By choosing additives that both correct the chemical imbalances of the soil and provide a rich supply of available minerals, farmers and environmental managers can successfully revitalize degraded landscapes. This research offers a vital strategy for rural development in fire-prone regions, turning the aftermath of a disaster into an opportunity for renewed agricultural success.

Source: Sarifuddin, & Azani, T. (2026). Use of several ameliorants to improve the fertility status of post-burning peat soils. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1583(1), 012003.