Effect of powdered coal on plant growth and composition

Abstract

Bush bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Improved Tendergreen) were grown in two different kinds of soil to which had been blended 6% powdered coal. Growth and mineral composition of the plants were measured after 28 days to obtain an estimate of effects for coal scattered in the environment. Coal was added with and without elemental sulfur to the noncalcareous soil used in order to determine if there were any interaction of coal in an extremely acid soil. In the noncalcareous soil the coal reduced vegetative yields slightly with and without the sulfur. Coal had no effect on yield when added to the calcareous soil. Coal tended to decrease P and K concentrations of the plants. In the acidified soil coal resulted in an increase of Mn in plants. Some other interactions were indicated.

Key words:

• Coal in the environment
• trace metals
• sulfur