Document Type
Article
Abstract
Coal combustion by-products aggregates (CCAs) are a solidified composite of fly and bottom ashes (2:1, by wt). Here, we assessed the feasibility of beneficial use of CCAs as a soil amendment or conditioner by conducting an outdoor experiment with Cordyline fruticosa (lucky plant) to determine its growth and soil microbial quality under the influence of topical CCA application (95 tons ha21). Enhanced growth of C. fruticosa with CCA application was noted, with respect to plant height, growth rate, leaf size, and leaf chlorophyll intensity. Soil dehydrogenase activity and total heterotrophic bacteria count were greater with topical CCA application, especially in the 5–15-cm layer, than in the control system without CCAs. The stimulated soil microbial quality due to the influence of CCAs was believed to be responsible, at least in part, for enhanced growth and health of C. fruticosa. Therefore, CCAs can be construed as beneficial as a soil amendment or conditioner for decorative plants such as C. fruticosa.
First Page
10
Last Page
16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4177/CCGP-D-11-00014.1
Volume
4
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Recommended Citation
Hwang, Sangchul, Isomar Latorre, and Eileen Irizarry. 2012. “Cordyline Fruticosa Growth and Soil Microbial Quality with Topical Application of Coal Combustion By-Products Aggregates.” Coal Combustion and Gasification Products 4 (1): 10–16. https://doi.org/10.4177/CCGP-D-11-00014.1.
Included in
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Geological Engineering Commons
