Publication Date
1989
Description
Disposal of coal preparation wastes is a serious environmental problem. Waste materials whose particle size is less than 2 mm are classified as slurry. About 67 000 hectares in the U.S.A. are affected by surface disposal of coal mining wastes. These materials tend to be acid, draughty and possess high surface temperatures thus retarding natural succession on affected sites. Regulations require that slurry impoundments be covered with 120 cm of non-toxic material and revegetated. The cost of such treatment can exceed $ 24,000 per hectare (Kosowski, 1973). Brundage (1974) and Sukthumrong (1975) concluded that alternate, less expensive methods could be used in slurry reclamation. Medvick and Grant (1976) and Sukthumrong (1975) found that high rates of limestone application would allow direct revegetation of coal refuse surfaces. However, Sutton (1983) reported that without further treatment plant cover and productivity declined with time. The use of sewage sludge as an organic amendment to improve the chemical and physical properties of coal refuse sites has been examined. Sapper and Kerr (1982) reported a fourfold increase in biomass production five years after sludge application. However, use of the sewage sludge can result in accumulations of heavy metals in soils and plants tissues (Stucky and Newman, 1977). This study was conducted to determine what combinations of limestone, composted municipal waste and grass species would successfully revegetate an acid coal refuse site.
Citation
Gardner, B D.; Chong, She-Kong; and Olsen, F J., "Effects of Incorporation of Organic Material and/or Limestone on Grasses Grown on Acid Coal Refuse" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 37.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session14/37
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effects of Incorporation of Organic Material and/or Limestone on Grasses Grown on Acid Coal Refuse
Disposal of coal preparation wastes is a serious environmental problem. Waste materials whose particle size is less than 2 mm are classified as slurry. About 67 000 hectares in the U.S.A. are affected by surface disposal of coal mining wastes. These materials tend to be acid, draughty and possess high surface temperatures thus retarding natural succession on affected sites. Regulations require that slurry impoundments be covered with 120 cm of non-toxic material and revegetated. The cost of such treatment can exceed $ 24,000 per hectare (Kosowski, 1973). Brundage (1974) and Sukthumrong (1975) concluded that alternate, less expensive methods could be used in slurry reclamation. Medvick and Grant (1976) and Sukthumrong (1975) found that high rates of limestone application would allow direct revegetation of coal refuse surfaces. However, Sutton (1983) reported that without further treatment plant cover and productivity declined with time. The use of sewage sludge as an organic amendment to improve the chemical and physical properties of coal refuse sites has been examined. Sapper and Kerr (1982) reported a fourfold increase in biomass production five years after sludge application. However, use of the sewage sludge can result in accumulations of heavy metals in soils and plants tissues (Stucky and Newman, 1977). This study was conducted to determine what combinations of limestone, composted municipal waste and grass species would successfully revegetate an acid coal refuse site.
