Evaluation of Greek low-rank coals as potential raw material for the production of soil amendments and organic fertilizers

This study evaluates Greek peat and coal samples for applications in the agricultural/horticultural sector and assesses the suitability of a certain peat/coal either as soil conditioner or as raw material for manufacturing organic fertilizers. Twenty-six samples of different rank ranging from peat to subbituminous coal obtained from several Greek peat/coal deposits, were studied. The laboratory tests included: a) pH and electrical conductivity (EC) determinations, as well as proximate, ultimate and maceral analyses, in order to characterize the samples, b) major and trace element analyses of both the total and the easily exchangeable fractions (EEF), in order to assess the phytotoxicity effect, c) cation exchange capacity (CEC) determination in mixtures of the samples (5 wt.%) with a certain soil (95 wt.%), in order to evaluate the peat/coal impact, and d) the determination of the contents of humic substances (HS). as well as of carboxylic and phenolic groups. The majority of the samples reveal moderate to high ash yields (16-80 wt.%), a slightly acidic to neutral character and electrical conductivity ranging from 100-2500 mu S/cm. Concerning the environmental impact of the sensitive trace elements, which might be leached, As, Mn, Ni and Sr show relatively strong mobilization in some samples, although severe impacts are not expected. The soil's CEC is generally improved, although it remains at moderate levels. The most interesting aspect is the humic acids content, which ranges between 9.6 and 52.2 wt.% on a dry basis, exceeding 25 wt% for most of the samples. The obtained results enable an initial correlation among the different parameters and a rating of the samples according to their suitability for soil-amelioration agents. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.