Vegetation of a multivariant model experiment on coal combustion waste deposits in the years 2005-2017

Abstract

In the years 2005-2017, an experiment was carried out to assess the share of plants in the reclamation of the furnace waste deposit of coal power plants, fertilized with four types of compost and sewage sludge. The furnace waste deposit was installed in cylindrical containers with a diameter of 80 cm (0.5 sq m) and 100 cm height. The aim of the experiment was to assess the reclamation effectiveness of composts and sewage sludge on the furnace waste deposit based on selected plant indices (diversity, ecological properties, yield). Every year during the growing season, the quantity and quality status and yield of plants fed with fertilizers were evaluated. There was demonstrated a high species richness of plants with significant biomass. High reclamation efficiency of the furnace waste deposit was found in the majority of fertilization variants. During a long-term experiment it was demonstrated that in addition to plants sown in experimental containers, self-seed flora has a large share in shaping the plant cover. The research results prove that the use of composts and sewage sludge creates favourable conditions for the development of spontaneous vegetation on furnace waste deposits. The importance of plants in the process of biological reclamation of furnace waste deposits has been emphasized, which in consequence may contribute to increasing the biologically active area and improving the condition of the natural environment.

Keywords

• biological reclamation
• vegetation
• combustion waste
• compost
• sewage sludge