Low-Rank Coal as a Source of Humic Substances for Soil Amendment and Fertility Management

Nuraly S. Akimbekov, Ilya Digel, Kuanysh T. Tastambek, Dinara K. Sherelkhan, Dariya B. Jussupova and Nazym P. Altynbay
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Nuraly S. Akimbekov: Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Ilya Digel: Institute for Bioengineering, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, 52428 Jülich, Germany
Kuanysh T. Tastambek: Department of Fundamental Medicine, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Dinara K. Sherelkhan: Department of Fundamental Medicine, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
Dariya B. Jussupova: Department of Geography, Environment and Service Sector, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Nazym P. Altynbay: Department of Fundamental Medicine, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 12, 1-25

Abstract: Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production.

Keywords: low-rank coal; brown coal; soil amendment; soil health; crop yield; soil remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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