Low-Rank Coal as a Source of Humic Substances for Soil Amendment and Fertility Management

Nuraly S Akimbekov,Dinara K Sherelkhan,Nazym P Altynbay,Ilya Digel,Dariya B Jussupova,Kuanysh T Tastambek

doi:10.3390/agriculture11121261

Nuraly S Akimbekov, Dinara K Sherelkhan + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121261

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Abstract

Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production.

Highlights

Managing soil health is essential for its functional biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and crop productivity
The results suggest the possibility of using brown coal as an OM source for the rehabilitation of degraded saline soils and in the dry lands influenced by open-pit coal mining
The findings suggest the possibility of using brown coal as a possible organic amendment in saline-sodic soil, where the microbial activity can accelerate the biotransformation processes of coal to contribute to the rehabilitation of the disturbed soils

Summary

Introduction

Managing soil health is essential for its functional biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and crop productivity. The negative impact of intensive land use on soil properties and productivity is evidenced by a significant shift in the balance of humic substances (HS) and nutrients in arable soils over past decades [1,2,3]. This situation thereby affects the livelihood and food security of billions of people worldwide [4]. The annual demand for organic soil amendments is constantly increasing across the globe and makes it impossible to fulfill it with traditional types of organic matters. Sole utilization of chemical fertilizers hardens the soil, reducing soil fertility and polluting the natural environment [5]

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