Beneficial & Adverse Impacts Of Fly Ash Amelioration On Soil Health: A Review

Abstract

Disposal of fly ash is the major environmental issue. Generally, it is disposed near the plant premises. Disposal of fly ash for long period of time imparts various impacts on soil quality and nearby ecosystem. Adverse impacts include soil erosion, while beneficial impact includes improved nutrient status in  nutrient deficit soil; as fly ash possess various types of elements such as Se, Sr, Zn, Mo, Ca, Fe, Mg as well as macronutrients such as P and K along with oxides and hydroxides. Therefore, it can be used to improve the soil health of degraded lands & wastelands as a part of its beneficial characteristics. Fly ash improves physico-chemical, biological properties and fertility status of degraded lands. In this regard, an exhaustive review is undertaken on issues of fly ash amelioration on soil health. Both beneficial as well as adverse impacts along with recommendations of fly ash amelioration to soil are discussed in this article.