Abstract
N-fixing tree species, such as black locust, have achieved very promising results in the reclamation of technosols, especially those at combustion waste disposal sites, which have extremely poor nutrients and adverse physicochemical parameters. This paper presents an assessment of the survival rates, growth parameters, and quality and vitality of and nutrient supply (NPK) to black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) specimens that were experimentally planted on a lignite combustion waste disposal site. The black locust seedlings were introduced directly into the combustion waste using two variants of NPK (7% N, 5.5% P2O5, and 9% K2O) fertilisation, at doses of 250 and 500 kg ha−1, and in control plots with no mineral fertilisation. No significant impacts of the applied mineral fertilisation were found on the soil properties, growth parameters, or nutrient supplies to the trees. Black locust introduced to the landfill after three years of revegetation was characterised by a very high survival rate of 95%–100%, as well as good growth parameters (height and diameter at the root collar). Nutrient supply was determined on the basis of the chemical composition of the leaves, which indicated an adequate supply of nitrogen, similar to levels found under natural conditions. In the case of K and P, the supply levels were lower than optimal when compared with data from the literature. However, at this initial stage of tree development on the combustion waste disposal site, nutrient supply is similar on all variants and is not a critical factor for successful black locust introduction. We suggest using growth parameters, survival, and vitality of trees as decisive factors for the reclamation of combustion waste landfill sites strategy. All these factors confirmed the usefulness of black locust to the reclamation of combustion waste disposal sites.
Highlights
Combustion waste landfills generated by the burning of fossil fuels, such as lignite and hard coal, still pose a grave environmental threat [1]
Before the black locusts were planted, the combustion waste technosols were characterised by their alkalinity and electrical conductivity (EC) amounting to 98.70 μS cm−1
We found no significant impact of the applied mineral fertilisation on the soil properties and growth parameters of, or the nutrient supply to, the trees, the results indicated and confirmed that, in general, black locust is a valuable species for use in the biological stabilisation of combustion waste disposal sites
Summary
Combustion waste landfills generated by the burning of fossil fuels, such as lignite and hard coal, still pose a grave environmental threat [1]. They occupy large areas of the landscape, adversely affecting the adjacent areas [2]. This impact manifests itself, among other changes, in the quality of ground and surface waters due to strong alkaline waters infiltrating from landfills and air pollution via dust [3,4]. Typical examples of combustion waste include the artificial ashes and slags that tend to become compacted, are susceptible to cementation, and possess unfavourable air–water
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