Publication Date

1985

Location

Kyoto Japan

Description

Fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR), a waste product resulting from the addition of limestone to coal prior to combustion, is high in sulfur (S) and has approximately 50% of the neutralizing capacity of limestone. Research was conducted to study effects of repeated applications of FBCR to pastures on forage yield and composition, and on performance and health of grazing cattle. Three treatments were applied in three replicated .81 ha pastures located on acidic reclaimed land which had been previously mined by mountain top removal. Treatments were control, dolomitic limestone (3380 kg/ha) and FBCR (6760 kg/ha), applied in split applications. Pastures in each treatment were grazed by six intact steers and one esophageally­cannulated steer, and were rotationally grazed based on forage availability. Treatments had no effect on forage yield or cattle gains. Soil pH was increased similarly with application of limestone and FBCR. Calcium (Ca) in forage was elevated by limestone and FBCR. Limestone application elevated forage magnesium (Mg), and FBCR increased forage S and copper (Cu) (P< .05). Serum Ca and Mg did not differ due to treatment. Elevated packed cell volume (P< .05) and the tendency for increased hemoglobin indicated cattle grazing FBCR amended pastures were in better Fe status than the limestone or control pastures. Cattle grazing FBCR and limestone amended pastures had elevated liver S (P< .05) and elevated kidney Ca, Mg and P (P< .05). These results indicate that repeated exposure to FBCR is not harmful to forage yield and composition, or to the health and performance of grazing steers.

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Effects of Fluidized Bed Combustion Residue Application to Reclaimed Mine Land on Yield and Composition of Forage and Performance of Grazing Steers

Kyoto Japan

Fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR), a waste product resulting from the addition of limestone to coal prior to combustion, is high in sulfur (S) and has approximately 50% of the neutralizing capacity of limestone. Research was conducted to study effects of repeated applications of FBCR to pastures on forage yield and composition, and on performance and health of grazing cattle. Three treatments were applied in three replicated .81 ha pastures located on acidic reclaimed land which had been previously mined by mountain top removal. Treatments were control, dolomitic limestone (3380 kg/ha) and FBCR (6760 kg/ha), applied in split applications. Pastures in each treatment were grazed by six intact steers and one esophageally­cannulated steer, and were rotationally grazed based on forage availability. Treatments had no effect on forage yield or cattle gains. Soil pH was increased similarly with application of limestone and FBCR. Calcium (Ca) in forage was elevated by limestone and FBCR. Limestone application elevated forage magnesium (Mg), and FBCR increased forage S and copper (Cu) (P< .05). Serum Ca and Mg did not differ due to treatment. Elevated packed cell volume (P< .05) and the tendency for increased hemoglobin indicated cattle grazing FBCR amended pastures were in better Fe status than the limestone or control pastures. Cattle grazing FBCR and limestone amended pastures had elevated liver S (P< .05) and elevated kidney Ca, Mg and P (P< .05). These results indicate that repeated exposure to FBCR is not harmful to forage yield and composition, or to the health and performance of grazing steers.