Method of obtaining and possibility of using of new complex fertilizers from flotation sludge – potassium-magnesium ore processing wastes

Abstract

The results of research on properties of cinders obtained by high-temperature roasting of clay-salt waste (sludge) after processing K-Mg ores are presented. Cinders are used as complex fertilizers, ameliorant components and microelement fertilizers. Secondary wastes, after extraction of Pd, Pt, Ag from burnt sludge (cinder), consist of sludge after deslagging of crushed cinder and “tails” after sand enrichment. Mixing these products, moistening, granulating and sintering forms result in a sintering product (CP) that is ready for application as complex fertilizer, ameliorating additive and microfertilizer. A study of the chemical composition and composition of impurities of cinders and CP was carried out. The identity of the composition of cinders and CP has been established. Tests with cinders and CP as a complex of fertilizers, ameliorants and microfertilizers were carried out. The research was carried out on the experimental field of Perm Agricultural Research Institute, on sod-podzolic heavy loamy soil formed on the deluvium of Permian clays, this soil represents up to 70% of the arable lands of the Perm region, the studied crop was potato. The yield of potato when applying cinder as an ameliorant additive was higher by 6.05 t/ha compared to the control (the use of traditional fertilizers provided an increase of 3.56 t/ha). For the first time determination of chemical composition including trace elements studies was fulfilled in potato tubers from unfertilized variants, plots fertilized with traditional fertilizers and plots fertilized with cinders. Two components of tubers – peel and pulp – were analyzed using a mass spectral method, with decomposition in a closed system (autoclave). Most of the elements were characterized by a higher content in the peel (almost an order of magnitude) compared to the pulp. An inverse relationship was observed for P and S, their content was higher in pulp than in peel. In the variant with the use of cinder, a higher content of microelements, especially rare-earths elements, was observed compared to the control. A method for processing sludge to extract Pd, Pt, Ag, results in secondary wastes, that can be used as complex slow-release fertilizers, ameliorating additives and microelement-containing fertilizers.