Evaluation of soil tests as a measure of phosphorus and potassium availability in Illinois coal waste
The Mitscherlich-Bray relationship was applied to soil test-extractable P and K in coal waste, and yield of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grown in the waste at pH 6.5. The typical exponential function between yield and extractable P obtained with soil-grown plants was not exhibited by the waste-grown plants for dilute acid or acid ammonium fluoride extractants, partly because values >15 mg/kg extractable P in the waste could not be obtained despite heavy P fertilization. Correlation coefficients (r/sup 2/) for extractable P in the growth media vs. P concentrations in shoots were 0.45 for the waste, and 0.81 for Elliott silt loam. Results with extractable K and yield on the waste were inconclusive, due to the confounding effect of an apparent Ca interference with K uptake. It is concluded that results of ''soil testing'' for P and K in coal waste should be interpreted with caution; in some cases, the tests may be inappropriate as indices of available forms of these elements in the waste.
- Research Organization:
- Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL
- OSTI ID:
- 5030743
- Journal Information:
- J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Vol. 12:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
COAL MINES
LAND RECLAMATION
REVEGETATION
PHOSPHORUS
AVAILABILITY
PLANT GROWTH
EQUATIONS
POTASSIUM
SOILS
TESTING
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
GRASS
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SOLID WASTES
UPTAKE
ALKALI METALS
CHEMISTRY
ELEMENTS
GROWTH
METALS
MINES
NONMETALS
PLANTS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WASTES
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
010800 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Waste Management
553000 - Agriculture & Food Technology