AZRA AKHTAR
Abstract
Burning coal for energy produces a by product known as fly ash. Fly ash is not currently related as hazardous material, it was evaluated for use in agriculture as nutrient supplement during pot experiments on tomato. Fly ash contains several minerals needed for plant growth and has a high surface tension and high water holding capacity. Plants were grown in fly ash amended soil at different treatment levels. The various treatments were control (soil without fly ash), 20%, 40% and 60% of fly ash mixed with soil respectively. A significant increase in plant growth and yield of fruits was observed at 40% amendment over control. Plant height and productivity decreased as fly ash percentage increased in soil (60% fly ash amended soil). The result of this study indicate that coal fly ash could be beneficial to typical plant growth if it is applied at an adequate rate and to an acceptable medium.