ISHS Acta Horticulturae 294: II Symposium on Horticultural Substrates and their Analysis, XXIII IHC
THE USE OF BOTTOM-ASH COAL-CINDER AMENDED WITH COMPOST AS A CONTAINER MEDIUM IN HORTICULTURE |
| Authors: | Y. Chen, A. Gottesman, T. Aviad, Y. Inbar |
| Abstract:
The disposal of fly and bottom-ash from coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers is a costly problem of an important environmental impact. Bottom ash is a coarse gritty material which has the potential to serve as a component in growing media. The physical and chemical properties of bottom-ash coal-cinder were characterized and compared to those of volcanic ash (tuff). Coal-cinder and tuff exhibited low levels of water retention and soluble nutrients, and high levels of air space. Addition of compost made from a mixture of grape marc and separated cattle manure (1:1 volume) to the mineral substrates improved their physical and chemical properties and enhanced the microbial activity in the media. Water to air ratios were significantly improved and approached those of an "ideal" substrate. The levels of N,P and K increased. Carnation grown as mother plants for the production of cuttings on cinder containing media produced the same yield as those grown on a commercial tuff mix. Bottom-ash coal-cinder was found to be a satisfactory substrate for growing ornamentals, provided an organic component was added. | |
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