RECLAMATION OF COAL REFUSE WITH A PAPERMILL SLUDGE AMENDMENT

Abstract

Reclamation of coal refuse is difficult due to the harsh growing conditions resulting from the refuse`s unfavorable chemical and physical properties. This research program focused on the utilization potential of a papermill sludge produced by the Mead Paper Company in Kingsport, Tenn., which consisted primarily of a mixture of waste wood fiber, lime, kaolin, and traces of fly ash. A field experiment was initiated in 1992. Loading rates were 0, 112, 224 Mg ha{sup -1} for the papermill sludge and 0, 112, 224, and 336 kg ha{sup -1} for N. Our results suggest that the N-fertilizer additions gave a short-term boost to biomass production, suppressed legume growth, and resulted in a higher yield and thicker vegetation cover in the first year. From the second year on, however, the vegetation on the papermill sludge plots was superior to that on the 0 sludge plots across all N rates, suggesting that papermill sludge did not lead to excessive N-immobilization as expected. By contributing organic matter, acid-neutralization potential, and light color, the papermill sludge significantly improved the refuse pH, increased the available P, increased the water holding capacity, and decreased the refuse temperature during the summer; all of which were beneficial to establishmentmore » and maintenance of vegetation. The addition of papermill sludge also improved leachate quality. Thus, a proper combination of N-fertilizer and papermill sludge, for example, 112 kg ha{sup -1} and 112 Mg ha{sup -1} sludge, is recommended in addition to balanced P and K fertilization.« less