Fly ash influence on near-surface temperature of a clay loam soil

Abstract

It has been suggested that fly ash, when applied as a soil amendment, would increase soil temperature. However, no quantitative data have been provided to support this hypothesis. This hypothesis was tested on four fly ash treatments (0, 100, 200, and 400 t ha−1) applied to clay loam soil in a randomized block design. Bi-hourly soil temperatures were measured on 3 summer days over 2 yr, and afternoon temperatures were measured on randomly selected spring days at 5-, 10-, and 20-cm depths in the four fly ash treatments. Temperatures were measured in conjunction with surface bulk density, water content, and particle size distribution which were also used to calculate thermal heat capacity. Fly ash decreased percent clay, soil water content, and soil heat capacity. Contrary to previously expected trends, fly ash amendment did not significantly increase mean daily soil temperature under dry conditions. Generalizations in the literature regarding the influence of fly ash on soil temperature, bulk density, and water-holding capacity must be considered carefully since they generally relate only to coarse to medium textured soils. Key words: Soil amendments, bulk density, reclamation, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, volumetric water content, particle size distribution