Fluidized bed combustion residue as an alternative liming material and Ca source

Abstract

Abstract Fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR), a by‐product of fossil fuel fired boilers, was evaluated as a liming material and a source of calcium for peaches (Prunus persica I.L.J Batsch). Incubation studies involving a medium textured soil indicated that FBCR (calcitic [FBCRC] or dolomitic [FBCRD] sources) was as effective a liming amendment as the respective agricultural limestone. Maximum soil pH occurred after 26 days incubation with FBCRC, but soil pH increased continuously throughout 137 days incubation with dolomitic limestone. Ammonium acetate extractable Ca was not affected by calcitic source, but Mg concentration increased with rates with the two dolomitic sources, and was highest in the FBCRD source after 137 days incubation. In greenhouse studies with ‘Elberta’ peach seedlings, FBCRC was more effective in neutralizing soil acidity and increasing extractable soil Ca than calcitic limestone after 24 weeks of growth. Leaf and stem Mn, Zn, and Al concentrations were decreased linearly by the FBCRC for both growth periods. Calcitic limestone did not have any effect on the concentration of Mn, Zn, or Al in the leaves or stems for either growth period. No visual symptoms of toxicity or nutrient imbalance from heavy metal contained in the FBCRC were observed.