Acidic and alkaline bottom ash and composted manure blends as a soil amendment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Water Quality Assessment

Background:

• Soil amendments like bottom ash (BA) and composted dairy manure (CM) are explored for agricultural use.
• Understanding their potential impact on water quality is crucial for sustainable practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the water quality impacts of various blends of acidic and alkaline bottom ash (BA) and composted dairy manure (CM).
• To assess the influence of different blend ratios and time on leachate and standing water properties.

Main Methods:

• Two column studies were conducted using constant head water table conditions.
• Evaluated three acidic (B1ac, B2ac, B3ac) and three alkaline (B1al, B2al, B3al) BA:CM blends (v/v).
• Collected standing water and leachate samples weekly for 49 days to analyze chemical and physical properties.

Main Results:

• Higher CM content in blends led to increased leachate concentrations of solids and nutrients.
• Alkaline blends exhibited higher standing water and leachate nutrient concentrations than acidic blends.
• After 28 days, acidic blends met USEPA drinking water standards for TDS, NO3-N, and P; alkaline blends consistently met these standards.

Conclusions:

• Acidic blends B1ac, B2ac and alkaline blends B1al, B2al demonstrated potential as soil amendment materials.
• The study suggests specific blend ratios of BA and CM can be safely used, minimizing water quality risks.