ABSTRACT
Fly ash samples were collected from six coal-fired power plants in and near the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site to study the effects of the application of fly ash/organic compost mixture to soils on the availability and uptake of elements by various plant species. Power plants with emission control devices were efficient in removing atmospheric pollutants from the precipitated ash. The availability of elements to plants varied with the texture of the various types of fly ash. Fly ash-amended homemade compost generally improved plant growth and enhanced yield. Yields of collard greens (Brassica oleracea L.) and mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.) increased from 400 to 500% for organic compost-treated soil and soil treated with fly ash-amended compost over the bare soil control. Soils treated with fly ash-amended compost often gave higher concentrations than the control for K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, and B in the Brassica crops.
