engleski

Effect of Electric Arc Furnace Steel Slag on Growth and Physiology of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Steel making process in electric arc furnaces generates up to 15 % of slag, which is, based on its properties, classified as non-hazardous waste. The feasibility of electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag used as a potential source of nutrients was studied in a pot experiment with common bean. Seeds were planted into plastic pots containing sand supplemented with 0, 10, 20 and 40 g kg-l EAF steel slag. Following two weeks, KNO3 (50 mg N kg-l) was added to all plants as a source of N. A part of control plants that served as a positive control was supplemented with liquid fertilizers - NPK and Fe. Beside growth parameters, dry matter yield, gas exchange properties, chlorophylls content and mineral content of substrate and plant leaves were measured after eight weeks of cultivation. Moderate rates of EAF slag substantially increased common bean dry matter yield, net photosynthesis and uptake of Fe, Mn, P and N. Therefore, EAF slag appeared to be a good and inexpensive supplier of nutrients especially for poor soils.

Soil enhancer ; crop ; photosynthesis

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