Use of fluidized-bed combustion ash in agricultural applications. Quarterly technical progress report, July 1--September 30, 1996

摘要

The field experimental site was located on a well drained Beltsville silt loam soil. Field soil samples were analyzed for trace elements prior to treatment initiation from each of the 12 plot areas. Blackberry plants were planted in June 1995. In August 1995, foliar samples from the field planted blackberry plants were obtained prior to soil treatment applications, Average leaf fresh and dry weights were recorded as well as elemental analysis data. At the end of August, 1995, four plots were treated with fluidized bed combustion (FBC) materials, another four with (FBC) materials plus manure, and the remaining four were used as controls. Post-treatment foliar samples were obtained, weighed and analyzed. Blackberry fruit samples were also obtained, freeze-dried and analyzed. Twenty-four soil columns were constructed from 6 inches (ID) PVC pipes and filled with replicates of the field experiment, control (soil alone), FBC material, manure, and FBC material plus manure. The equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall (200 ml distilled water) was applied weekly for 16 weeks. The day after rainfall additions leachates were collected, filtered and analyzed for pH and electrical conductivity. The remaining sample volumes were frozen until the completion of the study and then analyzed for elemental content. These results are presented. Analysis of the FBC material and dairy manure used in all experiments are presented in Table 1. For comparative purposes, analysis of agricultural limestone is also presented.