@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/12778,
	  title     = {Recycling for Sustainability: Plant Growth Media from Coal Combustion Products, Biosolids and Compost},
	  author    = {Sougata Bardhan and  Yona Chen and  Warren A. Dick},
	  country	= {},
	  institution	= {},
	  abstract     = {Generation of electricity from coal has increased over
the years in the United States and around the world. Burning of coal
results in annual production of upwards of 100 millions tons (United
States only) of coal combustion products (CCPs). Only about a third
of these products are being used to create new products while the
remainder goes to landfills. Application of CCPs mixed with
composted organic materials onto soil can improve the soil-s
physico-chemical conditions and provide essential plant nutritients.
Our objective was to create plant growth media utilizing CCPs and
compost in way which maximizes the use of these products and, at
the same time, maintain good plant growth. Media were formulated
by adding composted organic matter (COM) to CCPs at ratios
ranging from 2:8 to 8:2 (v/v). The quality of these media was
evaluated by measuring their physical and chemical properties and
their effect on plant growth. We 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).
We achieved significantly (p < 0.001) higher growth (7-130%) in the
experimental media containing CCPs compared to a commercial mix.
The experimental media supplied adequate plant nutrition as no
fertilization was provided during the experiment. Based on the
results, we recommend the use of CCPs and composts for the
creation of plant growth media.},
	    journal   = {International Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering},
	  volume    = {3},
	  number    = {3},
	  year      = {2009},
	  pages     = {149 - 155},
	  ee        = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/12778},
	  url   	= {https://publications.waset.org/vol/27},
	  bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/},
	  issn  	= {eISSN: 1307-6892},
	  publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology},
	  index 	= {Open Science Index 27, 2009},
	}