Arthur E. Peterson

The agronomic landspreading of coal bottom ash: Using a regulated solid waste as a resource

Abstract Within the U.S., approximately 8860 Mg of dry coal bottom ash is generated daily, the majority of which is disposed of by landfilling. The disposal cost varies significantly depending on location. In Wisconsin, for example, in 1987 public landfill disposal costs ranged from U.S.

Estimating Corn Growth, Yield, and Grain Moisture from Air Growing Degree Days and Residue Cover 1

8.90 to

Surface Residue and In-Row Treatment Effects on Long-Term No-Tillage Continuous Corn

30 per Mg. However, bottom ash appears to be an acceptable soil amendment which may alter texture and improve tilth by making clay soils more friable and decreasing crust formation. If a generic exemption for this material can be developed with the appropriate regulatory bodies, use of coal bottom ash as a soil amendment has societal and economic advantages. This paper describes the key point of an agronomic management plan. An economic comparison indicates that, based on 1987 costs, agronomic use is only 38% as costly as landfill disposal.