Evaluation of quality of FORAGE and mineral content on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at ex-coal mining

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional and mineral content of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) grown on ex-coal mining land. Elephant grass was planted in two different locations, namely the ex-coal mining area of Integrated Dairy Farming (Pesat) in Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), Sangatta East Kalimantan, as well as on farmers' land. The T-test is used to see the nutritional value of elephant grass which includes dry matter content, moisture content, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, energy, TDN, Ca and P minerals. Besides that, it is also seen the mineral content of Hg, As, Pb, Fe, Mn and Mg on elephant grass planted in ex-coal mining areas in the roots, stems, leaves and, canopy. The results showed no significant differences in the quality of elephant grass planted in post-mining land compared to farmer's land. Average mineral content in roots, stems, leaves and canopy respectively Hg (ppm): 143.42; 341.06; 70,92; 123.01; As (ppm): all <0.002; Pb (ppm): 4.25; 4.47; 11.81; 3.63; Fe (ppm): 2342.71; 45.94; 40.79; 47,13; Mn (ppm): 206.38; 22,92; 36,61; 64,19, and Mg (ppm): 1658,97; 1786.12; 1861.09; 2766.89. It was concluded that elephant grass planted in post-mining land was not significantly different from elephant grass planted on farmer's land (ex-post-mining), but the trace mineral content in roots, stems, leaves and, a canopy was relatively high.