Coal-derived humus: plant growth effects

Technical Report · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1968

OSTI ID:7208526

Freeman, P G; Fowkes, W W

The growth-promoting properties of coal-derived humus were tested by a variety of bioassay methods. Humate materials used included leonardite, a form of naturally oxidized lignite, and humic acids extracted from leonardite. It was found that the greatest effects were evident when water-soluble humic acid was applied to excised root tips. No significant short-term effect was noted when water-soluble humic acid was applied to stem or coleoptile sections. Root initiation was promoted in bean stems when high concentrations of coal-derived humate were applied. Gross weight of tomato plants was increased by up to 40 percent when coal-derived humates were added in concentrations of 10/sup 1/ to 10/sup 4/ ppM to the nutrient in a hydroponic growth test of 6 weeks' duration. It is concluded that coal-derived humate promotes the uptake of minerals, specifically iron, by serving as a metal chelate.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Washington, D.C. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7208526
• Report Number(s): BM-RI-7203
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
HUMUS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
PHASEOLUS
PLANT GROWTH
TOMATOES
BIOMASS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOOD
GROWTH
LEGUMINOSAE
PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
VEGETABLES
553000* - Agriculture & Food Technology
010500 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Products & By-Products