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Formulating Soilless Greenhouse and Nursery Media Using Clean Coal Combustion Products and Organic Wastes

Bardhan, Sougata
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418401273

Abstract Details

2005, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Soil Science.
Energy production from coal has increased over the years with 50 % of the electricity in the United States and 39 % of the world’s electricity produced by combustion of coal. Burning of coal results in annual production of 130 millions tons (United States only) of coal combustion products (CCPs). Only about 35 % of these products are being used to create new products and the remainder goes to landfills. Organic materials like animal manures (146 million tons in 1997), and yard-trimmings and biosolids (seventy million tons in 2001) are also produced in large quantities in the United States. Disposal options for such organic materials are often limited and composting has been proposed as a way to better manage these organic materials. Application of CCPs and composted organic materials onto soil can improve the soil’s physico-chemical conditions and provide essential plant nutritients. Beneficial use of CCPs and organic materials as plant growth media will not only help solve the waste disposal problem, but also will conserve natural raw materials, such as peat, used for making soilless media. My objective was to produce soilless greenhouse and landscape media by combining CCPs with composted organic matter (COM). Media were formulated by adding COM to CCPs at ratios ranging from 2:8 to 8:2 (v/v), respectively. The quality of these media was evaluated by measuring their physical and chemical properties and their effect on plant growth. I tested the media by 1) measuring their physical and chemical properties and 2) the growth of three plant species in the experimental media - (wheat - Triticum sativum, tomato - Lycopersicum esculentum and marigold - Tagetes patula. Harvested and dried plant tissues were analyzed for plant uptake of harmful and toxic elements such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se) and chromium (Cr). A water leaching experiment was also conducted to evaluate the potential of polluting groundwater with heavy metals and other toxic elements that may be found in CCPs and COM. I achieved significantly (p < 0.0001) higher growth (7-130%) in my experimental media containing CCPs compared to a commercial mix. Media were classified into two groups based on their hydraulic properties. Most of my experimental media were within the normal range of water and air content required for good plant growth. Values for selected variables—including pH, EC (electrical conductivity), nutrient concentrations in plants and leachates, and plant uptake of toxic elements—were all within agronomic, EPA and other regulatory guidelines. My media supplied adequate plant nutrition as no fertilization was provided during the experiment. Thus a benefit of the experimental media, in addition to their supporting improved plant growth, are the savings a grower can acieve due to reduced nutrient costs. Based on my results, I recommend the use of CCPs and composts for creating plant growth media. The combining of CCPs and COM will provide benefit to both the electrical utilities and animal production facilities producing the raw materials as well as the nursery and greenhouse end users of the media. Key Words: Bottom ash, FGD gypsum, organic compost, potting media, dairy manure, coal combustion product.
Warren A. Dick (Advisor)
Maurice E. Watson (Committee Member)
Daniel A. Herms (Committee Member)
58 p.
Soil Sciences

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bardhan, S. (2005). Formulating Soilless Greenhouse and Nursery Media Using Clean Coal Combustion Products and Organic Wastes [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418401273

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bardhan, Sougata. Formulating Soilless Greenhouse and Nursery Media Using Clean Coal Combustion Products and Organic Wastes. 2005. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418401273.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bardhan, Sougata. "Formulating Soilless Greenhouse and Nursery Media Using Clean Coal Combustion Products and Organic Wastes." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1418401273

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1418401273
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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.