Suitability of fly ash amendment in soil for productivity of agricultural crops

Abstract

Technological progress has put enormous pressure on our valuable natural resources. The global energy need has increased with rapid industrialization, which to a large extent has been met by fossil fuels. Coal is an exhaustible energy source, which plays a crucial role in meeting the ever-increasing energy demands of countries around the world. Combustion of coal in thermal power stations produces a variety of residues-fly ash, bottom ash, flue gas desulfurization waste (scrubber sludge), fluidized bed boiler waste, and coal gasification ash. Over 225 million tons of coal is produced annually in India and over 100 thermal power stations generate more than 108 million tons of fly ash every year, which is expected to double within the next 5-6 years. So, it is immesnsely important to utilize fly ash for various purposes. One of the most viable option can be use as fertilizer in agriculture in suitable ammendments.