Effect of Compost and NPK Fertilizer on Mercury (Hg) Absorption by Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) on Gold Tailings Media in Seloto Village, Taliwang District, West Sumbawa Regency

This study aims to determine the effect of compost and NPK fertilizer on the ability of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) to absorb mercury (Hg) from gold tailings media. The research was conducted at the University of Mataram from May 21 to July 22, 2025, using a factorial group Random Design with two factors: the dose of compost (0, 57, and 113 grams) and the dose of NPK fertilizer (0, 1.1, and 1.9 grams). The results of the study showed that the lack of influence of NPK fertilizer on the absorption of mercury by vetiver grasses. This study shows that compost is effective, but NPK is not significant. This opens up questions about why NPK doesn't work, whether there are other factors inhibiting it, or whether there are other types of fertilizers that are more effective under similar conditions. This gap points to the need for further research to understand the interactions between chemical fertilizers and phytoremediation, particularly in the context of mercury uptake.