Utilization of Circulating Fluidized Bed Ash - as an Agricultural Soil Amendment

The study was initiated to investigate the feasibility of using CFB ash as a soil amendment using some of the lime-based minerals in the residue as a substitute for limestone. The CFB ash, typical of ash from high sulphur coal-fired fluidized bed combustors, was found to be an acceptable liming agent for vegetable crops and mixed forage, with no significant adverse effects on crop quality or excessive soil loading of metals. Two years of testing on turfgrass indicates that CFB ash may also be used as a fast-acting limestone substitute on turfs. Within the first year, ash applied at the soil lime requirement increased very low soil pH to a range considered optimal for nutrient availability and crop growth. A high persistence of liming effects in both ash and limestone treatments suggests that the materials have comparable residual activity. This research is of interest to agrologists, waste management specialists and policy makers.