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Effects of pulverized fuel ash on the moisture characteristics of coarse-textured soils and on crop yields

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

P. J. Salter ,
D. S. Webb  and
J. B. Williams
P. J. Salter
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick
D. S. Webb
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick
J. B. Williams
Affiliation:
National Vegetable Research Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick
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Summary

In field experiments carried out over a period of three years studies were made of the effects on soil moisture characteristics and crop yields of incorporating pulverized fuel ash into the surface 30 cm of a sandy loam and a coarse sand. Ash from two different sources was used at rates equivalent to 0, 125, 251, 502 and 753 t/ha and crops of carrots, lettuce, radish and red beet were grown.

On every occasion when determinations were made the available-water capacities of the soils treated with 251 t/ha or more of ash were greater than the untreated soils; the largest increase (93%) was obtained with the highest rate of ash. Moisture release characteristics indicated that the increased amount of available water was retained in the soils at matric suctions between 0·05 and 1·0 atmospheres.

Despite the increased amount of available water retained in these soils there was generally no beneficial effect on crop growth and yields.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 77 , Issue 1 , August 1971 , pp. 53 - 60
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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