Application of Steel Slag for Degraded Land Remediation

Marina Díaz-Piloneta, Francisco Ortega-Fernández, Marta Terrados-Cristos and Jose Valeriano Álvarez-Cabal
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Marina Díaz-Piloneta: Project Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain
Francisco Ortega-Fernández: Project Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain
Marta Terrados-Cristos: Project Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain
Jose Valeriano Álvarez-Cabal: Project Engineering Department, University of Oviedo, 33004 Oviedo, Spain

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Land degradation, and especially acidification, are global issues that need to be addressed. A common practice to correct this problem is the use of lime or chemical fertilisers that involve the extraction of raw materials. This study proposes a more sustainable alternative using Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag. BOF slag is the main waste from the steel industry that is usually accumulated in landfills, which also implies environmental impacts. In this study, a series of laboratory tests have been carried out to analyse the feasibility of using BOF slag for the reclamation of degraded land. For soil acidification, BOF slag will be analysed as a liming agent. On the other hand, the benefits slag can provide as a nutrient source will be tested. As an added value, pre-treated and untreated slag will be compared. The results of these short-time experiments show how BOF slag could be a sustainable alternative as liming agent and amendment. Its use increased the levels of some micro and macronutrients available for plant growth and improved soil quality. It could, therefore, be a sustainable management practice that makes an important contribution to the circular economy.

Keywords: land degradation; steel slag; soil amendment; acidification; liming agent; circular economy; nutrient source (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:2:p:224-:d:741251

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