Nickel Ore Mining Waste as a Promising Source of Magnesium and Silicon for a Smart-Agricultural Management

Thermomagnesium (TM), a byproduct of Ni ore mining, can be processed as a clean alternative to conventional fertilizers as a source of magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) for agriculture. TM positively impacts soil properties and provides nutrients that are available for uptake by plants; however, information on the effects of TM on plant physiology in cropping systems is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing doses of TM on crop yield; soil chemical attributes; and leaf contents of Mg, Si, reducing sugars, sucrose, and starch in a soybean-maize crop rotation system. The study was performed under rainfed conditions during three consecutive crop seasons in 2018/2019 (soybean), 2019 (maize), and 2019/2020 (soybean). Six TM doses (0, 350, 700, 1050, 1400, 1750 kg ha−1) with four replicates were applied prior to the first season. Responses to the application of TM were observed up to the highest doses (1,400 and 1750 kg ha−1), with increases in soil concentrations of Mg and Si, soil pH, leaf pigments, gas exchange parameters, and carbohydrate concentrations but decreases in starch content. The increases in photosynthetic rates and carbohydrate partitioning led to increases in the weight of 100 grains (W100G) and grain yield (GY). W100G increased by 11% in soybean at a TM dose of 1,050 kg ha−1 and 23% in maize at a TM dose of 1,400 kg ha−1 dose. For both crops, the greatest increases in GY were obtained at a TM dose of 1,050 kg ha−1, with increases of 1,068 and 3,658 kg ha−1 for soybean and maize, respectively, compared with the control. Therefore, TM can be used in agricultural systems as a viable source of Mg and Si and as soil acidity amendment to promote sustainable agriculture.