Revegetation and Restoration of Highly Eroded Land Using Chicken Litter and High Rates of Coal Fly Ash

摘要

In 1995, a 12 hector area at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina was remediated using a combination of coal fly ash and chicken litter. This area, once a borrow pit, had been abandoned for over 25 years. Leaching and runoff had created a site lacking in fertility and vegetation. The airport administration was concerned about this site because large amounts of sediment from this area was being deposited on an active road during heavy rains. The co-utilization of coal fly ash and chicken litter was used to supply both macro and micro nutrients as well as contribute some organic matter to support 2 hardy grasses and a legume. These by-products were chosen for there local availability. Additionally, co-utilization was sought for its ability to change the chemical properties of the soil while, just as importantly, alter the physical characteristics.