Evaluation of different concentrations of Sea kelp and K-Humate in coal
tailings rehabilitation South Africa
Abstract
Sea kelp and potassium Humate are two amendments commonly used in the
agronomy and crop science industries to improve germination and root
development. This study evaluated different concentrations of Sea kelp
and potassium Humate in rehabilitating coal tailings. The aim was to
evaluate the growth potential of Cynodon dactylon and to set
norms for coal tailings about Sea kelp and potassium Humate .
Four different concentrations of each ameliorant were applied to the
coal tailings, where the pH, of the medium was measured and for the
grass specie, germination, survivability, and growth performance were
measured. First, it was deduced that these amendments positively
affected the establishment and survivability of Cynodon dactylon
on the coal tailings. Secondly, it was found that the application of Sea
kelp and K-Humate had a buffering effect on the reacidification of coal
tailings. The highest concentration of Sea kelp and the agricultural
norm for potassium Humate showed the highest buffering capacity.