Effects of cement kiln dust on soil and potato crop quality

Abstract

Cement kiln dust is a potential source of K and Ca for crops on acidic soils in Eastern Canada. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cement kiln dust on soil chemical properties and potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Superior) yield and quality on two Spodosols. Four rates of cement kiln dust, commercial K fertilizers, and lime were yearly applied and arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Soil extractable K and Ca increased rapidly after cement kiln dust applications and were comparable to commercial fertilizers or lime treatments. Heavy metal soil contents and plant uptake were not influenced by treatments. Soil metal contents decreased from to initial soil levels and were lower than recommended maximal norms. Tuber yields increased with rates of cement kiln dust and commercial fertilizers but decreased with lime rates. Yields were positively correlated to soil extractable K and partially with extractable Mg. The K and Mg plant uptake increased with cement kiln dust and commercial fertilizers rates but was significantly reduced by liming. Tuber specific gravity decreased with the highest commercial fertilizers and cement kiln dust rates. These results showed that cement kiln dust is an effective source of K and Ca for potato production without short term loss in tuber quality or soil contamination by metals.