Final Report Soil Project

GEO-RESOURCES ENGINEERING PROJECT
Application of mining product and waste for soil amendment
provided by
Kittin Prampongpun ID 6130902821
Woramet Leela-adisorn ID 6130920021
Aran Hongthong ID 6130926921
Project Advisor
Assistant Professor Kreangkrai Maneeintr, Ph.D.
Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering

Faculty of Engineering
Chulalongkorn University
Academic Year 2021
รายงานโครงงานวิ ศวกรรมทรัพยากรธรณี
การประยุกต์ใช้วสั ดุและของเสียจากอุตสาหกรรมเหมืองแร่ในการปรับปรุงคุณภาพดิ น
จัดทําโดย
นาย กฤติน เปรมพงศ์พนั ธ์ รหัสประจําตัว 6130902821
นาย วรเมธ ลีลาอดิศร รหัสประจําตัว 6130920021
นาย อารัญ หงษ์ทอง รหัสประจําตัว 6130926921
อาจารย์ที่ปรึกษา
รศ.ดร. เกรียงไกร มณีอนิ ทร์
ภาควิ ชาวิ ศวกรรมเหมืองแร่และปิ โตรเลียม หลักสูตรวิ ศกรรมทรัพยากรธรณี

คณะวิ ศวกรรมศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิ ทยาลัย
ปี การศึกษา 2564
Project Title Application of mining product and waste for soil amendment
By Kittin Prampongpun ID 6130902821
Woramet Leela-adisorn ID 6130920021
Aran Hongthong ID 6130926921
Field of Study Georesources and Petroleum Engineering
Project Advisor Assistant Professor Kreangkrai Maneeintr, Ph.D.
Accepted by the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Bachelor of Engineering
………………………………………..…. (Head of Department)

(Associate Professor Jirawat Chewaroungroaj, Ph.D.)
PROJECT COMMITTEE
…………………………………………. (Committee Chairman)

(Associate Professor Apisit Numprasanthai, Ph.D.)
………………………………………….…….. (Project Advisor)

(Assistant Professor Kreangkrai Maneeintr, Ph.D.)
a
Abstract
Nowadays, bottom ash as by-products of the coal combustion process from coal-fired power
plant has been disposed by the costly solution such as landfill which also required amount of space,
and waste dolomite that applied in cement and steel-making industry. Also, they can be used in
agricultural activities for soil amendment but the amount of bottom ash and dolomite used in this
function is still low. Furthermore, feldspar has been chosen as the alternative mixture to improve soil
fertility. The impacts of feldspar mixture amendment on soils are that it can improve the soil sandy
texture, decrease soil electrical conductivity, increase plant available water retaining and so on.
In Thailand, many places like Nan province have a problem of soil degradation from
deforestation and excess use of chemical fertilizer. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the effects
bottom ash and dolomite coupled with feldspar as a soil amendment on the qualities of soil such as
pH, soil bulk density, electrical conductivity (EC), soil specific gravity, soil texture, and percent
porosity. In this study, the concentration of feldspar was ranged from 0-24% by weight, and the
concentration of bottom ash and dolomite were ranged from 5-25% by weight. For the parameters
used to measure the properties of soil are pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil specific gravity, soil
texture, soil bulk density and percent porosity. Also, coffee is selected as the target plant growing
condition.
From the results show that the soil quality has been improved in that pH can increases in all
ratios. The bulk density of soil is reduced to have more space for air and water for all mixtures. The
soil texture has changed in the better quality from clay to sandy loam, loamy sand, and sandy clay
loam which are suitable to coffee growth. Furthermore, feldspar coupled with other mixtures applied
for soil amendment can help reduce the EC value and the excess sandy texture.
b
บทคัดย่อ
ในปั จจุบนั เถ้าหนักหรือเถ้าก้นเตาทีไ่ ด้จากการเผาถ่านหินจากโรงไฟฟ้ าในรูปของผลิตภัณฑ์ ถูกจัด
ให้อยูใ่ นลักษณะของเสียทีจ่ าํ เป็ นต้องใช้พน้ื ทีแ่ ละงบประมาณจํานวนมากในการกําจัดด้วยการฝั งกลบหรือ
ถมที่ ได้ถกู นํามาประยุกต์ใช้รว่ มกับซิลคิ อนโดโลไมต์ทโ่ี ดยทัวไปสามารถนํ
่ ามาประยุกต์ใช้ในอุตสาหกรรม
ซีเมนต์และการถลุงเหล็ก รวมไปถึงการประยุกต์ใช้ทางการเกษตรจึงถูกเลือกมาเป็ นส่วนประกอบในการ
ปรับปรุงคุณภาพดิน ร่วมกับโพแทสเซียมเฟลด์สปาทีถ่ ูกเลือกเป็ นส่วนประกอบเสริมในการปรับปรุงสมบัติ
ของดินด้านต่าง ๆ เช่น ลักษณะโครงสร้างเนื้อดิน ลดค่าความนําไฟฟ้ า เพิม่ ความสามารถในการกักเก็บนํ้า
ของดิน
ในประเทศไทยพบว่ามีพน้ื ทีเ่ กษตรกรรมในหลายจังหวัดทีป่ ระสบปั ญหาเรือ่ งการเสือ่ มสภาพของดิน
จากการตัดไม้และการใช้ปุ๋ยเคมีมากเกินไป ดังนัน้ งานวิจยั นี้จะทําการประเมินผลของส่วนผสมเถ้าหนักและ
โดโลไมต์ทผ่ี สมกับเฟลด์สปาเพือ่ ปรับปรุงคุณภาพดิน โดยศึกษาคุณสมบัตทิ างกายภาพและเคมีต่าง ๆ
ประกอบด้วย ค่าความเป็ นกรด ค่าความนําไฟฟ้ า ความหนาแน่นของดิน ค่าความถ่วงจําเพาะ โครงสร้างเนื้อ
ดิน และความเป็ นรูพรุน ในการศึกษานี้ความเข้มข้นของเฟลด์สปาจะอยูใ่ นช่วงร้อยละ 0 ถึง 24 โดยนํ้าหนัก
และความเข้มข้นของเถ้าหนักและโดโลไมต์จะอยูใ่ นช่วงร้อยละ 5 ถึง 25 โดยนํ้าหนัก นอกจากนี้พชื ทีน่ ํามาใช้
ในการวิเคราะห์คอื กาแฟสายพันธุอ์ ราบิกา้
จากผลการศึกษาได้แสดงให้เห็นว่าคุณภาพของดินจะดีขน้ึ ในด้านความเป็ นกรดทีล่ ดลงในทุก
สัดส่วนการผสม ค่าความหนาแน่นลดลงในทุกกรณีสง่ ผลให้ตวั อย่างดินทีไ่ ด้มคี วามสามารถในการกักเก็บนํ้า
และอากาศ โครงสร้างของดินมีคุณภาพทีด่ ขี น้ึ โดยเปลีย่ นจากดินเหนียวเป็ นดินร่วนปนทรายและดินร่วน
เหนียวปนทราย ซึง่ มีความเหมาะสมแก่การเพาะปลูกพืชกาแฟ นอกจากนี้จากผลการศึกษายังสามารถสรุป
ได้วา่ ส่วนผสมทีป่ ระกอบด้วยเฟลด์สปามีความสามารถในการช่วยลดค่าความนําไฟฟ้ าและลดอัตราส่วน
ของโครงสร้างดินทรายทีม่ ากเกินไป
c
Acknowledgements
This Geo-Resources Engineering Project has been accomplished by the guidance and
verifying from the thesis advisor, Asst. Prof. Kreangkrai Maneeintr, Ph.D., who has directed the
project technical issues, help to improve the mistake during the process and always been very
supportive through these times of study at Chulalongkorn University. Along with the advisor and
project committees that gave the perfect advices.
Finally, a special thank sincerely to our families and friends who always support and achieve
our goal.
Project organizing team
Table of contents
Abstract a
Acknowledgements c
Chapter 1
Introduction 1
1.1. Mining waste product 1
1.2. Degraded soil 2
1.3. Soil amendment 2
1.4. Research objectives 2
1.4.1. Scope of study 3
1.4.2. Contribution 3
Chapter 2
Theories and literatures reviews 4
2.1. Characteristics of mixture 4
2.1.1. Characteristics of feldspar 4
2.1.2. Characteristics of bottom ash 4
2.1.3. Characteristics of dolomite 5
2.2. Application in agriculture 6
2.2.1. Application of feldspar in agriculture 6
2.2.2. Application of bottom ash in agriculture 6
2.2.3. Application of dolomite in agriculture 7
2.3. Degraded soil 7
2.4. Soil properties 8
2.5. Literature reviews 9
Chapter 3
Experiment 13
3.1. Materials 13
3.1.1. Compositions 13
3.1.2. Physical properties 16
3.2. Equipment and procedure 17
3.2.1. pH measurement 17
3.2.2. Electrical conductivity measurement 19
3.2.3. Specific gravity measurement 20
3.2.4. Bulk density measurement (ASTM D18595B) 21
3.2.5. Soil texture measurement 24
3.3 Methodology 30
3.3.1. Coffee planting review 30
3.3.2. Implementation plan 30
3.3.3. Operation flowchart 31
3.3.4. Operating conditions 31
Chapter 4
Results and discussion 34
4.1 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil pH 34
4.2 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil electrical conductivity 37
4.3 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil specific gravity 39
4.4 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil bulk density 42
4.5 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil porosity 44
4.6 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil texture 47
Chapter 5
Conclusion and recommendation 51

5.1 Conclusion 51
5.2 Recommendation 53
References 54
Appendix 57
List of Tables
Table 2.1 Chemical composition and physical properties of coal ash 4
Table 2.2. The percentages of bottom ash and FGD gypsum mixed with soil and manure 11
Table 3.1. Physical properties of feldspar, dolomite, bottom ash, and soil 16
Table 3.2. The operating conditions of sample 32
Table 4.1 pH value classification 35
Table 4.2 EC value classification 37
Table 4.3 Specific gravity value classification 40
Table 4.4 Bulk density value classification 42
Table 4.5 Percent porosity classification 45
Table 4.6 Soil texture classification 47
List of Figures
Figure 2.1 XRD patterns of fly ash and bottom ash 5
Figure 2.2 Types of Land degradation 8
Figure 3.1. XRF result of feldspar 13
Figure 3.2. XRF result of dolomite 14
Figure 3.3. XRF result of bottom ash 15
Figure 3.4. XRF result of soil 15
Figure 3.5. Size distribution of feldspar, dolomite, bottom ash, and soil 16
Figure 3.6. Soil texture triangle analysis 17
Figure 3.7. A pH/ION/COND meter 17
Figure 3.8. A scale 18
Figure 3.9. Calibrating pH meter 19
Figure 3.10. EC measuring 20
Figure 3.11. A pycnometer 21
Figure 3.12. The sample measure in pycnometer 21
Figure 3.13. A cylinder for core sample 22
Figure 3.14. Compact the sample in cylinder 23
Figure 3.15. Bulk density ring with intact soil core inside 24
Figure 3.16. Soil hydrometer 151H and thermometer 24
Figure 3.17. Cylinder (1000 ml) 25
Figure 3.18. Sieve No. 10, No. 40, No. 80, No. 120 and No. 200 26
Figure 3.19. A balance 26
Figure 3.20. Sodium hexametaphosphate 27
Figure 3.21. Cover the cylinder by parafilm 28
Figure 3.22. shaking the cylinder 28
Figure 3.23. Do wet sieve experiment 29
Figure 3.24. Soil texture triangle 30
Figure 3.25. Operation flowchart 31
Figure 4.1 Results of pH value of soil condition ratios 35
Figure 4.2 Results of EC value of soil condition ratios 37
Figure 4.3 Results of specific gravity value of soil condition ratios 40
Figure 4.4 Results of bulk density value of soil condition ratios 42
Figure 4.5 Results of percent porosity value of soil condition ratios 45
Figure 4.6 Results of texture of soil condition ratios with dolomite 49
Figure 4.7 Results of texture of soil condition ratios with bottom ash 50
Figure a.1. XRD result of feldspar 57

Figure a.2. XRD result of dolomite 58
Figure a.3. XRD result of bottom ash 58
Figure a.4. XRD result of soil 59
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Mining waste product
Nowadays, the soil resources are degraded to a higher level in many agricultural countries
caused by many factors including using soil for a long period of time without the principles of soil
and water conservation
(http://irw101.ldd.go.th/images/5_Information/5_2_Knowledge/1.Soil%20Degradation.pdf, 2007).
As a result, the quality of the crops from the soil has been decreased
(http://irw101.ldd.go.th/images/5_Information/5_2_Knowledge/1.Soil%20Degradation.pdf, 2007).
From the granite mining products from Siam Cement Group (SCG’s Granite mining) at
Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province, by apart from the main product such as feldspar and
quartz. There are many other components found alongside such as mica (Nallusamy, 2021) which
can be extracted and reused as a supplementary product for ceramic or glass production.
Dolomite, Silicon Dolomite from Fooktien Group Co.,Ltd., which are used as an
ornamental stone, a concrete aggregate, or the ingredient of magnesium production due to its
ore deposits of base metals such as copper, lead, and zinc in the general industry and also the
smelting of iron and steel manufacturing (Al-Awadi, 2009).
The other material used for this study is bottom ash, a byproduct from Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT’s coal power plant) at Mae Moh coal mine, Lampang
province, which is commonly considered as a coal waste and usually being stockpiled or disposed
in landfill while the power plant heating generation system consumed the burning coal. The ashes
and residual materials such as bottom ash, fly ash, and FGD waste created from the production
which will be the waste if discharged directly into the environment (Chindaprasirt, 2008).
In this study, the waste of feldspar, dolomite and bottom ash will also be applied as the
soil property improvers through their physical and chemical characteristics for the particular crops.
This research conducts the adaptation of these minerals in the agricultural process. They will be
introduced in the agricultural process as the soil conditioners instead of their common usage in
infrastructure material or chemical industry. Furthermore, the bottom ash which is considered as
the waste material from the coal-fired power plants will be reused in the experiment to become
the value-added material.
2
Degraded soil
High quality soil produces good agricultural products which provide food and habitat for
animals. A major concern of good soil management is to keep the soil in place and maintain its
fertility (Alam, Soil Degradation: A Challenge to Sustainable Agriculture, 2014). Soil erosion and
the loss of fertility due to the poor farming practices are serious problems globally (Hartemink,
1995). The indigenous systems alone are insufficient to prevent the agricultural lands from
continuing the loss of productive soil, water and nutrient resources. The main catastrophe of soil
degradation comes from farmland and urban areas concentrates water flows and nonagricultural
areas are also subjected to erosion (Alam, Soil Degradation: A Challenge to Sustainable
Agriculture, 2014).
Soil amendment
The addition of soil amendments can simulate various measurable soil properties. For
example, the samples of soil that are amended with compost exhibited have higher EC values
also the changes of soil pH value. The application of soil amendment leads straight to the
agricultural model by the comparison between the cropped soil which was amended with organic
materials that showed higher soil organic matter contents than the un-cropped soil (Khan, 2020).
Research objectives
In this study, feldspar, dolomite from the SCG mining industry and bottom ash from Mae
Moh will be mixed with the soil sample by the various ratios and combinations according to their
chemical composition. The main objectives are:
1. To improve soil properties from degraded soil by using soil conditioners such as feldspar,
dolomite and bottom ash.
2. To investigate the effect of pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and soil texture from
the mixture of soil and soil conditioners.
3. To analyze the soil mixing ratio to fit well the plant requirement.
3
Scope of study
This study is operated by the laboratory experiments in the Department of Mining and
Petroleum Engineering laboratory. Also, feldspar, dolomite and bottom ash are used. Coffee is
selected as the target plant to test for the soil properties.
Contribution
Thailand, as an agricultural country, uses the huge amounts of coal for power generation
and other mining industries that create significant amounts of leftovers such as feldspar.
Therefore, this study is expected to show that the waste products can be applied in agriculture
to improve the soil quality, to manage the environmental impacts, and to make profit from the
sale of waste products, thus contributing to the economic and social development of Thailand
industries.
4
CHAPTER 2
THEORIES AND LITERATURES REVIEWS
2.1. Characteristics of mixture
2.1.1. Characteristics of feldspar
Feldspar is present in virtually all sediments and soils in quantities that vary with the
nature of original material of soils and their degree of weathering. They play a substantial role in
overall dynamics of macronutrients, K and Ca, in soils (P.M.Huang, 2004). Feldspar represents
the solid solution between the K-feldspar, Albite, and Anorthite with composition of K, Na, and
Ca. For the Alkali feldspars type are the rich compositions of K and Ca which have a range of
chemical composition and the end members may be written as KAlSi3O8 or NaAlSi3O8
(P.M.Huang, 2004).
2.1.2. Characteristics of bottom ash
Physical characteristics of bottom ash
Fly ash and bottom ash from Mae Moh power plant in the north of Thailand were used
in the research. Bottom ash was ground to a similar particle size as fly ash. Table 2.1 shows
the significant chemical composition of coal ash using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). XRD patterns
of fly ash and bottom ash displayed in Figure 2.1 show that fly ash contained a higher content of
amorphous phase particles compared to the bottom ash. The crystalline phases are
predominantly quartz and mullite (Chindaprasirt, 2008).
Table 2.1 Chemical composition and physical properties of coal ash (Chindaprasirt, 2008)
5
Figure 2.1 XRD patterns of fly ash and bottom ash. Q = quartz, M = mullite (Chindaprasirt,
2008)
Chemical characteristics of bottom ash

From the EDX analyses of the fly ash and bottom ash geo-polymers are also shown in
the experiment. The major elements are Si and Al, with some Na and Ca also present. The
presence of Ca is from the source materials as the fly ash and bottom ash both contain large
amounts of CaO (Chindaprasirt, 2008).
2.1.3. Characteristics of dolomite

Dolomite is a complex mineral which precipitates directly from solutions containing
magnesium, calcium and carbonate ions to form cement or unlithified sediment. Most dolomite
forms through the chemical reformation of precursor carbonate rock or sediment primarily
limestone or calcareous muds. These carbonates tend to be unstable, composed chiefly of calcite
or its more thermodynamically unstable polymorph, aragonite. When these precursor materials
are exposed to magnesium-rich fluids, a portion of the calcium ions may be replaced by
magnesium ions to form a more stable magnesium calcium carbonate known as dolomite (Al-
Awadi, 2009)
6
2.2. Application in agriculture

2.2.1. Application of feldspar in agriculture
In the research of (Rowell, 1988), Finely ground feldspar from the Huila area of Colombia
and KCl were used as fertilizers in a pasture experiment at Carimagua. K taken up from the KCl
with a small though non-significant response to the feldspar. During 14 months the crop took up
between 25 and 68% of the KCI-K or about 10% of the feldspar-K. Much of the applied KCI
became non-exchangeable but was released as required by the crop: the soil contained an AI
chlorite-vermiculite which held the native K and fixed and released K during the experiment.The
feldspar may be valuable as a slow release fertilizer in low input agricultural systems particularly
on leached soils of low effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) (Rowell, 1988).
In the study of (Ciceri, 2019), The material obtained hydrothermal alteration of K-feldspar
rock in alkaline conditions is a potential source of soluble potassium. KCl and unaltered K-feldspar
rock powder also were tested for comparison. The fresh weight and K composition of the plants
increased as doses of KCl or hydrothermal material increased, but not with increases in K-feldspar
rock. A beneficial effect may occur due to calcium supplied or with adjustment of soil acidity by
the hydrothermal material. The hydrothermal material is a K fertilizer at least as effective as KCl
since it yields the same or better plant weight (Ciceri, 2019).
2.2.2. Application of bottom ash in agriculture

In the study of (Wearing, 2008), Bottom ash that produced by the Tarong Energy coal
fired power station in South West Queensland, The volume and unique properties of bottom ash
present a significant opportunity for agronomic use. Of particular interest is the ability of bottom
ash to improve the water-holding capacity of soils. This paper details physical and chemical
properties relevant to agronomic use, and water-holding capacity of ash/hoil blends, along with
experiences in its field use in crop production (Wearing, 2008).
Bottom ash from a coal-fired power plant and two composts were tested as components
of soil-free media and as soil amendments for growing highbush blueberry. Combinations of ash
and compost were compared to Berryland sand, and Manor clay loam, and compost amended
Manor clay loam. The pH of all treatment media was adjusted to 4.5 with sulfur at the beginning
7
of the experiment. In 1997, plants were planted in 15-dm 3 pots containing the pH-adjusted
treatment media. The presence of coal ash or composted biosolids in the media had no
detrimental effect on leaf or fruit elemental content. Total growth and yield of both cultivars was
reduced in clay loam soil compared to Berryland sand, whereas growth and yield of plants in coal
ash-compost was similar to or exceeded that of plants in Berryland sand (Black, 2002).
2.2.3 Application of dolomite in agriculture

Dolomite, a type of limestone, provides valuable nutrients to plants and helps change the
pH of the soil by raising it to match the plants' needs. It's sometimes called dolomitic lime or
dolomitic limestone, and provides more nutrients than straight limestone. It's often used in addition
to balanced fertilizers, particularly with seeding fruit.
Dolomite powder is a limestone compound that contains calcium and magnesium. The
best mixtures contain 8 to 12 percent magnesium and 18 to 22 percent calcium. These elements
help influence the pH of the soil and provide valuable nutrients to plants. Dolomite can often
contain sodium, but it should only be 0.2 percent sodium or less. More sodium can change the
salinity of your soil, which can kill many plants.
Dolomite limestone is best used to change the acidity, or pH, of the soil. Most plants do
best with a pH of 6.0 to 7.4. If your soil registers with a pH of 5.9 or below, dolomitic lime can
help raise the pH to make the soil more plant-friendly (Harris, 2019).
2.3. Degraded soil

Soil degradation includes physical, chemical and biological deterioration. Examples of
soil degradation are loss of organic matter, unfavorable changes in salinity, acidity or alkalinity,
and the effects of toxic chemicals, decreased soil fertility, decline in structural state, erosion,
pollutants or excessive flooding.
8
Figure 2.2 Types of Land degradation
Degradation possibly caused physically by taking away of top soil through water and
wind erosion, reduced capability to store water, augmented receptiveness to overflow and
gradual absorption of soluble salts in root zone (Figure. 2). Overgrazing, increase of canal
irrigation, unrestrained urbanization and surface mining etc. are some of the other actions that
prop up degradation of soil (Alam, Soil Degradation: A Challenge to Sustainable Agriculture,
2014).
2.4. Soil properties

Soil pH
Soil pH is the major variable in soils because it controls the chemical and biochemical
processes operating within the soil. The study of soil pH is very important in agriculture due to
plant nutrient availability that is regulated from soil pH value by controlling the chemical forms of
the various nutrients and also affects their chemical reactions (Oshunsanya, 2019).
Soil electrical conductivity
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is among the most useful and easily obtained properties
of soil that influences crop productivity. As a result, soil EC has become one of the most frequently
used measurements to characterize field variability for application to precision agriculture (Corwin,
2003).
9
Soil specific gravity

Organic matter presents the best type of soil for agriculture production containing a
generous amount of organic matter. Organic matter can be native to the soils or added through
the application of additives such as compost and manure. The study illustrated that the low
specific gravity soil sample has a high amount of organic matter but this is also concerned about
the type of soil sample (Chaudhary, 2017).
Soil bulk density
The bulk density, being one of the physical quantifying characteristics (that assessing
quantitatively the water and air in soil) represent an important key of soil fertility and strongly
influenced "maintenance of soil structure"ecosystem service, and consequently emphasized the
quality of the agriculture management (Gherghina, 2020).
Soil texture
Soil texture is the composition of the size of grains constituted of minerals for example
sand (2-0.05 mm), silt (0.05-0.002) and clay (below 0.002). Proportions of these soil particles
depend on mineralogical composition of parent material and the environment of soil genesis. Soil
texture is a controlling factor of soil chemical reaction, nutrient availability, water holding capacity,
soil porosity, air-water circulation and soil density (Chakraborty, 2015).
2.5. Literature reviews

EFFICACY OF SOIL AMENDMENTS IN ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS
Studies were performed at the Agricultural Experiment Station, Sultan Qaboos University
(23º 35’ N, 58º11’ E). The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions (25±2°C)
within a basic soil matrix obtained from two different sources; one from land that has been
managed and cropped as an organic farm for three or more years and the other from the land
which had never been cropped or received any organic or inorganic amendments. In addition,
biochar, and two commercially available composts ‘Growers’(compost-1), and ‘Agro-Top’
(compost-2) were used as soil amendments. The two soils were obtained from adjacent fields
on the same farm, near Sohar, Oman.
Biochar was made at the Agriculture Experiment Station, Sultan Qaboos University,
Oman; using dried mango shoot wood as feedstock and the apparatus was used as described
10
by Al-Busaidi et al., 2017. The maximum temperature recorded during the process was
approximately 550-650 C°.
Seeds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var Broccoli) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus
var. Bhindi) were grown in the seedling trays filled with potting media. Seedlings were kept
under greenhouse conditions until transplanting two weeks later.
The experiment was conducted over a period of 10 weeks.
The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block (RCB) with five replications
of six treatments. Soil amendment treatments included T1 (control, cropped or un-cropped
soil), T2 (Biochar), T3 (Compost 1), T4 (Compost 1 + Biochar), T5 (Compost 2), T6 (Compost 2
+ Biochar). Each amendment treatment was applied to each of the two soils with broccoli, okra
or no crop for a total of 36 treatments. Crop response to amended growing substrates was studied
in both indicator crops over 10 weeks (al-busaidi, 2020).
COAL COMBUSTION PRODUCT UTILIZATION FOR DEGRADED SOIL AMENDMENT

In this study, bottom ash and FGD gypsum are provided from Mae-Moh coal-fired
power plant and degraded soil is from Nan Province, Thailand. Bottom ash and FGD gypsum will
be mixed with soil at the designed ratios to determine the appropriate rate for growing corn. In
addition, in the real field experiment, these combinations will be mixed with manure of cow and
sheep, which is collected in Nan province. The percentages of bottom ash and FGD gypsum
mixed with soil and manure are labelled and shown in the Table 2.2.
11
Table 2.2. The percentages of bottom ash and FGD gypsum mixed with soil and manure
Characteristics of the samples like pH, ECSE value, bulk density, soil texture as well as
its combinations are analyzed to determine the suitable ratio to grow corn in the real
field (Phan, 2018).
From the previous literature reviews, this study will conduct the soil amendment due to
the mining waste product and materials from mining industry. Using the feldspar, dolomite, and
bottom ash as the mixtures to create the varied conditions of soil mixture and experiment by
measurement their properties (Phan, 2018).
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND SENSORY INTERACTIONS OF ARABICA COFFEE GENOTYPES
IN DIFFERENT WATER REGIMES
The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Alegre, in the south of the state of
Espírito Santo (20°52′07″S and 41°28′43″W), a region typically grown with arabica coffee. The
study area has an elevation of 640 m above sea level, with an average annual rainfall of
1290 mm, with the rainy season being between the months of October and April and the dry
season from May to September, in addition, to have an average temperature of 22.3°C. The
12
experimental design used was in a split-plot scheme, with ten arabica coffee genotypes (plots),
aged seven and two water regimes (subplots), where each experimental unit was composed of
three plants in a randomized block design with three repetitions. The spacing adopted was
2.5 m × 1.0 m, totalling a population of 4000 plants per hectare.
The data referring to the analysis of individual variance of the variables demonstrate that
there was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between the genotypes and the water regimes for
most of the studied variables. However, it was not possible to verify such interaction for the
sensory variables: balance, acidity, sweetness, body and finish. However, the study of these
variables becomes important, as it allows an understanding of the genotypes' responses, given
the simultaneous response of the variables in question. Thus, it becomes possible to select them
due to the multivariable responses exhibited, since the joint response of these variables is
fundamental to the quality of the coffee tree. (Ferreira, 2021)
13
CHAPTER 3
EXPERIMENT
3.1. Materials
3.1.1. Compositions
For this study, The main composition of soil, feldspar, dolomite and bottom ash are
analyzed by the XRF and XRD to find the chemical composition and selected for the suitable
combination and ratio for the crops
3.1.1.1. Feldspar chemical composition
From the Figure 3.1, the main composition of feldspar samples are Quartz (SiO2) and
little of Microcline (KAlSi3O8). The sample contains different elements including Si, Al, and K
which have a concentration 56.343%, 18.069% and 12.116% by following orders.
Figure 3.1. XRF result of feldspar
3.1.1.2 Dolomite chemical composition

As shown in the Figure 3.2, the main composition of dolomite samples are Dolomite,
Gypsum, Calcite, Ankenite and Gibbsite.The sample contains different elements including Ca,
Fe, S and Al which have a concentration 45.710%, 13.244%, 12.728% and 8.484%
14
Figure 3.2. XRF result of dolomite
3.1.1.3. Bottom ash chemical composition

As shown in Figure 3.3, the main composition of dolomite samples are Akemanite, Quartz
and Pyracmonite. The sample contains different elements including Ca, Fe, Si and Al
which have a concentration 37.042%, 24.039%, 18.943%, and 9.958%
15
Figure 3.3. XRF result of bottom ash
3.1.1.4. Soil chemical composition

As shown in Figure 3.4, the main composition of dolomite samples are Quartz, Mica,
Muscovite, Biotite and Illite. The sample contains different elements including Si, Fe, Al and K
which have a concentration of 43.552%, 25.906%, 19.646% and 7.283%
Figure 3.4. XRF result of soil

16
3.1.2. Physical properties
Table 3.1. Physical properties of feldspar, dolomite, bottom ash, and soil
Samples pH EC ECse Specific Bulk density Soil porosity
(μS/cm) (dS/m) gravity (g/cm3) (%)
Feldspar 4.574 16.767 0.092 2.56 1.205 52.868
Dolomite 8.329 7.197 71.53 2.73 0.987 63.826
Bottom ash 8.089 2.497 24.82 2.94 1.038 64.651
Soil 4.758 23 0.126 2.45 1.121 54.308
As shown in Table 3.1. the soil sample from Nan province is mostly acidic with pH at
4.76. Dolomite and bottom ash are alkalinity with pH at 8.33 and 8.09 respectively, but feldspar
is strongly acidic with pH at 4.57.
Figure 3.5. Size distribution of feldspar, dolomite, bottom ash, and soil
17
As shown in Figure 3.5, the texture of soil sample is clay (57% of clay, 23% of silt and
20% of sand), dolomite is sandy loam (20% of clay and 80% of sand), bottom ash is sand (6%
of clay and 94% of sand) and feldspar is sandy clay loam (35% of clay and 65% of sand)
Figure 3.6. Soil texture triangle analysis
3.2. Equipment and procedure

3.2.1. pH measurement
The materials used to measure pH value such as soil, feldspar, dolomite, and bottom ash
are measured by a pH/ION/COND meter as shown in Figure 3.7
Figure 3.7. A pH/ION/COND meter

18
Figure 3.8. A scale
As shown in Figure 3.8. the scale used to weigh the materials. It has the maximum
capacity of 200 g, and an accuracy of 0.0001 g.
Firstly, the samples are dried and passed sieve No.10 to remove coarse size of samples.
Weigh 10 g of sample and put into the beaker. Add distilled water approximately 25 ml into the
sample that is contained in the beaker. After that stir the sample and distill water for about 5
minutes then allow the solid to settle for 10 minutes.
Before measuring the pH value of sample, calibrate pH meter by using buffer pH 4 and
buffer pH 7 as shown in Figure 3.9., and then measure pH value for 3 times by Benchtop
pH/Water Quality Analyzer LAQUA F-74
19
Figure 3.9. Calibrating pH meter
3.2.2. Electrical conductivity (EC) measurement

Soil, feldspar, dolomite, and bottom ash are the materials that used to measure EC value
by the pH/ION/COND meter with model LAQUA F-74
Firstly, the samples are dried and passed sieve No. 10 to remove coarse size of samples and
weighed 10 g of sample and put into a 100 ml beaker. Then add 50 ml of distilled water into the
sample that is contained in the beaker. Stir the sample and distilled water for 30 minutes, and
then allow the soil to settle for 30 minutes.
The next step, pour the solution in the top of beaker to another beaker. After taking the
solution to measure the electrical conductivity (EC value) for 3 times using the Benchtop pH/Water
Quality Analyzer LAQUA F-74
Before measuring the electrical conductivity, calibrate Benchtop pH/Water Quality
Analyzer LAQUA F-74 by std. 0.01 N KCl.
20
Figure 3.10. EC measuring
3.2.3. Specific gravity measurement

The result of specific gravity provides the data for the calculation process of the
pycnometer experiment, and specific gravity was determined by the water replacement.
In this experiment, the pycnometer, scales, water and ores. Firstly, weigh the pycnometer.
Next step, filled the pycnometer with ores then added water into the pycnometer and weight the
water-filled pycnometer.
Then take the water and ore out of the pycnometer and fill the water into the pycnometer
until full.
Lastly, calculate the specific gravity (S.G) of the ore specific gravity (S0) = (weight of
pycnometer+ore) - (weight of pycnometer) / (weight of pycnometer+full-filled with water) - (weight
of pycnometer) - (weight of pycnometer+ore+water) + (weight of pycnometer+ore)
21
Figure 3.11. A pycnometer
Figure 3.12. The sample measure in pycnometer
3.2.4. Bulk density measurement

A cylinder as shown in Figure 3.13. that is used to measure bulk density of soil.
22
Figure 3.13. A cylinder for core sample
The cylinder is weighed by using a balance and recorded. In the next step, cylinder is
filled that passed a 2 mm sieve.
Compact the first addition of soil by scraping off with a straight edge as shown in Figure
3.14. Keep adding soil and tapping the cylinder until the cylinder is full as in Figure 3.15. Weigh
the cylinder containing the soil and record.
23
Figure 3.14. Compact the sample in cylinder
After that, dry out the soil for 16 hours in a conventional oven at 105 oC. Bulk density is
calculated by using formula below
Bulk density (g/cm3)=(oven dry weight of soil in cylinder (g) / Volume of cylinder (cm3)
Soil porosity (%) = 1-Bulk density/sample’s particle density
24
Figure 3.15. Bulk density ring with intact soil core inside
3.2.5. Soil texture measurement

ASTM 151H soil hydrometer is used to read specific gravity as shown in Figure 3.16
Figure 3.16. Soil hydrometer 151H and thermometer

25
A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of distilled water in the cylinder. It is

readable up to 0.5 C as shown in Figure. 3.16
Figure. 3.17. Cylinder (1000 ml)
The cylinder is used for the soil suspension, and it has a stable base and is made of
heavy-wall clear glass scribed at the 1,000 ml as shown in Figure. 3.17
Figure. 3.18 is the set of sieves. For sieve No.10 is used to remove the coarse size of
soil, and sieve No. 40, No. 80, No. 120 and No. 200 are used to do wet sieve.
26
Figure. 3.18. Sieve No. 10, No. 40, No. 80, No. 120 and No. 200
Figure 3.19. A balance
Sodium hexametaphosphate 68% extra pure as shown in Figure 3.20, it is produced from
LOBA CHEMIE PVT Limited. It is selected as the dispersion agent in this experiment to prevent
the fine particles in suspension from coalescing or flocculating.
27
Figure 3.20. Sodium hexametaphosphate
All of the water in this experiment, distilled water is used to do the experiment.
Firstly, Prepare the solution of sodium hexametaphosphate at the rate 40 g of sodium
hexametaphosphate per 1000 ml of distilled water.
Next, weigh 100 g air-dried soil sample passing sieve No.10 (less than 2 mm). Place the
sample in a 500 ml beaker. Then add 125 ml of sodium hexametaphosphate solution (40 g/l) and
125 ml distilled water into the beaker that contained the sample. Stir until the soil is thoroughly
wetted. Allow soaking for at least 16 hours.
28
Figure 3.21. Cover the cylinder by parafilm
Transfer the sample from the beaker to the 1000 ml cylinder, and add the distilled water
until the total volume is 1000 ml. Then use parafilm to cover the mouth of the cylinder as shown
in Figure 3.21. Then shake the cylinder about 1 minute as shown in Figure 3.22.
Figure 3.22. shaking the cylinder

29
After that take the hydrometer into the cylinder. Then read the hydrometer and measure
the temperature at the time 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 250, 420, and 1440 minutes.
Figure 3.23. Do wet sieve experiment
Next step continue with wet sieve experiment, after taking the final hydrometer reading,
transfer the sample from the cylinder to the pan and do a wet sieve by using sieves as No. 40
(0.425-mm), No. 80 (0.18-mm), No. 120 (0.125-mm) and No. 200 (0.075-mm) as shown in Figure
3.23.
After finished to do wet sieve, dry the samples that retained sieves No. 40, No. 80, No.
120 and No. 200 in the oven at the temperature of 1105 C, and then weigh the dry samples.
This experiment results are shown in particle size distribution curve and plotted on soil
texture triangle to determine the texture of soil as shown in Figure 3.24.
30
Figure 3.24. Soil texture triangle
3.3. Methodology
3.3.1. Coffee planting review
The soil that is suitable for Coffee planting requires good air ventilation and drainage. It
should not be an area with flooding and should be the clay texture property with composition of
Potassium. The acidity level of the soil should be at pH 4.5-6.5 and 25-32°C temperature. The
rainfall level must be more than 1,500 mm/year
(https://www.arda.or.th/kasetinfo/south/coffee/controller/01-03.php, n.d.).
3.3.2. Implementation plan
1. Study and review preliminary information
2. Prepare the sample
3. Soil texture, specific gravity. pH, EC, Bulk density measurement
4. Plant conditions reviews/Selecting plant
5. Measurement of soil mixture properties
6. Analysis and conclusion
7. Report preparation
31
3.3.3. Operation flowchart

Study and review preliminary information
Prepare the sample XRF and XRD analysis
Soil hydrometer analysis Specific gravity Bulk density pH/EC measurement

measurement measurement (Benchtop pH/Water
(Pycnometer) (ASTM D18595B) Quality Analyzer LAQUA
Wet sieve analysis
F-74)
Plant conditions Operating conditions of mixture

reviews/Selecting plant
Measurement of soil mixture properties
Analysis and conclusion
Report preparation
Figure 3.25. Operation flowchart
3.3.4. Operating conditions

The operating conditions are condition by weight of bottom ash and dolomite mixed with
soil, bottom ash and feldspar mixed with soil (Soil + bottom ash +feldspar), and dolomite and
feldspar mixed with soil (Soil + dolomite +feldspar) as shown in Table 3.2
32
Table 3.2 The operating conditions of sample

No. Mixer Ratio (%)
1 Soil + bottom ash (90:10)
4 Soil + bottom ash + feldspar (88:10:2)
13 Soil + dolomite (90:10)
16 Soil + dolomite + feldspar (88:10:2)

33
The conditions are selected by the mixture’s chemical composition and physical properties
such as feldspar that has acidic properties as well as the soil sample but it is mainly composed
of Potassium which is plant nutrient, so the feldspar will be used in minor percentages of the
conditions.
34
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil pH
Soil pH value affects the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as plant
growth. The nutrition, growth, and yields of most crops decrease where soil pH is low and
increases as pH rises to the suitable level for each species but not too high to reach alkaline
level.
The result of pH is shown that feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite can increase pH of
soil. Referable from the original soil in Nan province is acidic with a pH at 4.758. Dolomite is
alkalinity with pH at 8.329 and bottom ash has similar alkalinity with pH at 8.089 as shown in
Figure 4.1.
The result is shown in Figure 4.1 that pH increases when dolomite, bottom ash and
feldspar are mixed with soil. The application of dolomite at 10% to 20% coupled with feldspar at
0% to 12% are the good conditions for soil pH improvement, and it can increase pH of soil from
4.75 to 7.04, but at the ratio 25% dolomite, pH of soil becomes too alkaline for coffee.
The application of bottom ash coupled with feldspar, at the ratio 10% bottom ash and
feldspar at 0% to 12% are considered as the suitable ratios for improvement of soil pH due to
the suitable soil condition for coffee planting which appeared in 4.5-6.5, with pH of soil increasing
at 5.798, 5.848 and 5.951, respectively. For the application of feldspar coupled with bottom ash
and dolomite, pH of soil can increase by all of the combinations as shown in Figure 4.1.
35
Figure 4.1 Results of pH value of soil condition ratios
Table 4.1 pH value classification

Samples ratio pH value
Soil + Dolomite + Feldspar 63:25:12 6.48

36
Soil + Bottom ash + Feldspar 63:25:12 6.75

37
4.2 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil electrical conductivity
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) represents the amount of salts in soil (salinity of soil). It
is an important indicator of soil composition. It affects crop suitability and plant nutrient availability.
In this research, ECse values of dolomite and bottom ash are very high at 71.53 dS/m and 24.82
dS/m, respectively.
Figure 4.2 shows the application of feldspar coupled with bottom ash to increase ECse
value of soil at all of combination ratios, which generated the lowest value at 3.19 dS/m. However,
when feldspar, bottom ash and dolomite are added into soil, ECse are still far more than the
suitable condition at 1.51 dS/m. The closest value that can be simulated is from the ratio of
soil+bottom ash+feldspar(71:5:24).
Figure 4.2 Results of EC value of soil condition ratios
Table 4.2 EC value classification

Samples ratio EC value (dS/m)

38

39
4.3 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil specific gravity
Soil specific gravity represents the density index of the soil. Higher the specific gravity,
higher will be the load carrying capacity of soils. As shown in Figure 4.3, specific gravity values
of dolomite and bottom ash are at 2.73 and 2.94, respectively. Both materials have the potential
to adjust the rise of specific gravity of the soil conditions to be higher than the original which is
at 2.45, as the lowest rate of all the mixtures.
40
Figure 4.3 Results of specific gravity value of soil condition ratios
Table 4.3 Specific gravity value classification

Samples ratio specific gravity value

41

42
4.4 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil bulk density
Bulk density of soil represents the compaction of soil and soil physicality which affects
the availability of root growth, infiltration, and plant nutrient availability. High value of soil bulk
density can indicate low percent soil percent porosity and soil compaction. It can limit root growth
and decrease the movement of gas and water through soil. The difference of soil texture will have
different values of bulk density for plant growth.
The result of an experiment of bulk density measurement (ASTM D18595B) is shown in

Figure 4.4. The application soil+bottom ash+feldspar(69:25:6) and (61:15:24) give 1.028 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3
and 1.018 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 respectively. The combination of dolomite can also indicate the same value
at soil+dolomite+feldspar(69:25:6) gives 1.018 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 which is suitable for coffee planting
(closest to 1.02 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 )
Figure 4.4 Results of bulk density value of soil condition ratios
Table 4.4 Bulk density value classification

Samples ratio bulk density value
(g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 )
43

44
4.5 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil porosity
Soil porosity demonstrates the ratio of nonsolid volume to the total volume of soil. In crop
production, soil porosity is important to conduct water, air, and nutrients into the soil. Soil porosity
also determines the amount of oxygen that can be found in pore spaces. In addition to water,
plants must have oxygen to grow and thrive. They need oxygen for respiration; therefore, it is
important to have well-aerated soil to grow healthy plants. The percentage of porosity can be
calculated by bulk density and specific gravity values from the measurement.
The result of the calculation of percent porosity is shown in Figure 4.5. The application
soil+dolomite+feldspar(90:10:0) gives the highest percentage of porosity at 64.63% as well as
45
soil+bottom ash+feldspar(90:10:0) that gives result at 63.25% which can be rely that dolomite
and bottom ash help increasing the porosity of soil due to their porosity levels. The relationship
of the condition ratio to affects the porosity is to balance between the amount of soil and feldspar
that has less porosity and the others that are much more higher.
Figure 4.5 Results of percent porosity value of soil condition ratios
Table 4.5 Percent porosity classification

Samples ratio Soil porosity (%)

46

47
4.6 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil texture
From the result as shown in Table 4.6, samples of dolomite mixed with soil ranging at 5-
25% can change the texture of original soil from clay to sandy loam or sandy clay loam, and at
0% of feldspar samples give the texture of soil that approach to the suitable texture (loam, clay
loam) as shown in Figure 4.6. In addition, samples of bottom ash coupled with feldspar change
the texture of soil from clay to sandy loam and loamy sand as shown in Figure 4.7.
Table 4.6 Soil texture classification

Samples ratio Soil texture
Soil + Dolomite + Feldspar 63:25:12 sandy loam
Soil + Dolomite + Feldspar 75:25:0 sandy clay loam

48
Soil + Bottom ash + Feldspar 63:25:12 sandy loam
Soil + Bottom ash + Feldspar 75:25:0 loamy sand
Soil + Bottom ash + Feldspar 74:20:6 loamy sand

49
Figure 4.6 Results of texture of soil condition ratios with dolomite

50
Figure 4.7 Results of texture of soil condition ratios with bottom ash
From the expected operating conditions which consist of 24 conditions ratio can be
concluded that the pH, bulk density, and soil porosity values are within the scope of the suitable
soil properties for arabica coffee planting. But on the other hand, for the ECse and soil texture
values are not fitting the confines, so the 8 extra-conditions ratio which consist of 24% of feldspar
were conducted for more trial on the experiment and correlate to the existing results.
51
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
Bottom ash which is produced by the coal combustion process from coal fired power
plants. As a major waste, it has been operated such as landfill and stockpiled which affect the
cost of industry. Mostly, Feldspar is applied as another granite mining product which can be
extracted and reused as a supplementary product for ceramic or glass production. Also, Bottom
ash and Feldspar can be used in agricultural activities for soil amendment due to their physical
and chemical properties. Furthermore, Dolomite has long been used to improve soil properties
by the reason of its properties that mostly resemble to bottom ash. The positive impacts of
bottom ash and dolomite amendment on soils are that it can increase soil capacity to absorb
plant nutrients (change the soil texture), decrease soil bulk density, and increase soil pH value.
The effects from feldspar mixture to the experiment are to increase the amount of potassium
concentration in soil, decrease the ECse value of the soil conditions (balance to the amount of
bottom ash and dolomite), and reduce the quantity of sandy soil texture from the effect of the
others mixtures. In Thailand, some areas like Nan province have a problem of soil degradation
from deforestation and excess use of chemical fertilizer. This research is aimed to apply bottom
ash and dolomite coupled with feldspar to improve soil quality from degraded soil in Nan Province.
From the results of the study, it can be concluded:
1. The result of pH is shown that feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite can increase
pH of soil. Referable from the original soil in Nan province is acidic with a pH at 4.758. Dolomite
is alkalinity with pH at 8.329 and bottom ash has similar alkalinity with pH at 8.089. The application
of bottom ash coupled with feldspar, at the ratio 10% bottom ash and feldspar at 0% to 12% are
considered as the suitable ratios for improvement of soil pH due to the suitable soil condition for
coffee planting which appeared at 5.87, with pH of soil increasing at 5.798, 5.848 and 5.951,
respectively.
2. From the experiment, the conducted 24 conditions ratio gave the ECse value that
exceeded the objective property so the others 8 conditions ratio of 24% feldspar were generated
to adjust and evaluate the results. The application of feldspar coupled with bottom ash to increase
ECse value of soil at the experiment, which generated the lowest value at 3.19 dS/m. However,
52
when feldspar, bottom ash and dolomite are added into soil, ECse are still far more than the
suitable condition at 1.51 dS/m. The closest value that can be simulated is from the ratio of
soil+bottom ash+feldspar(71:5:24).
3. Dolomite and bottom ash have the potential to adjust the rise of specific gravity
of the soil conditions to be higher than the original which is at 2.45, as the lowest rate of all the
mixtures.
4. The result of an experiment of bulk density measurement(ASTM D18595B) can
be conclude that the application of soil+bottom ash+feldspar(69:25:6) and (61:15:24) give the
value 1.028 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 and 1.018 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 respectively. The combination of dolomite can also
demonstrate the equal value at soil+dolomite+feldspar(69:25:6) gives 1.018 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 which is
suitable for coffee planting (closest to 1.02 g/𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐3 ).
5. The result of the percent porosity can be reckoned that dolomite and bottom ash
help increase the porosity of soil due to their porosity levels. The relationship of the condition
ratio to affects the porosity is to balance between the amount of soil and feldspar that has less
porosity and the others that are much more higher. The application of
soil+dolomite+feldspar(90:10:0) gives the highest percentage of porosity at 64.63% as well as
soil+bottom ash+feldspar(90:10:0) that gives the result at 63.25%.
6. As well as the ECse measurement, the initiated conditions ratio gave the soil
texture that was too sandy from the objective property so the other 8 conditions ratio of 24%
feldspar were generated to adjust and evaluate the results. Samples of dolomite mixed with soil
ranging at 5-25% can change the texture of original soil from clay to sandy loam or sandy clay
loam, and at 0% of feldspar samples give the texture of soil that approach to the suitable texture
(loam, clay loam). In addition, samples of bottom ash coupled with feldspar change the texture
of soil from clay to sandy loam and loamy sand. From the results can be summarized that dolomite
and especially bottom ash mixtures give the texture results out of the goal which is too sandy
and lightly of loam even though considered altogether with the extra-added feldspar ratios.
53
5.2 Recommendations
For the measured qualities of the soil amendment require the field testing for the exactly
status of plant growth and plant product to do in the future study. The pre-feasibility study in the
part of economic should be evaluated.
The application of the extra feldspar parts for soil amendment condition is taken to
decrease the amount of salt or electrical conductivity (EC) value but the ratios still do not given
the accurate number for the suitable condition for coffee planting.
54
References
(n.d.).
Alam, A. (2014, 08 01). Soil Degradation: A Challenge to Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved
from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274973734_Soil_Degradation_A_Challenge
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57
Appendix
Materials chemical composition
Figure a.1. XRD result of feldspar

58
Figure a.2. XRD result of dolomite
Figure a.3. XRD result of bottom ash

59
Figure a.4. XRD result of soil

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Final Report Soil Project

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GEO-RESOURCES ENGINEERING PROJECT

Application of mining product and waste for soil amendment

Department of Mining and Petroleum Engineering

ภาควิ ชาวิ ศวกรรมเหมืองแร่และปิ โตรเลียม หลักสูตรวิ ศกรรมทรัพยากรธรณี

………………………………………..…. (Head of Department)

…………………………………………. (Committee Chairman)

………………………………………….…….. (Project Advisor)

Results and discussion 34

4.1 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil pH 34

4.5 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil porosity 44

4.6 Effect of feldspar, bottom ash, and dolomite on soil texture 47

Conclusion and recommendation 51

Figure 4.2 Results of EC value of soil condition ratios 37

Figure 4.3 Results of specific gravity value of soil condition ratios 40

Figure 4.4 Results of bulk density value of soil condition ratios 42

Figure 4.5 Results of percent porosity value of soil condition ratios 45

Figure 4.6 Results of texture of soil condition ratios with dolomite 49

Figure a.1. XRD result of feldspar 57

Chemical characteristics of bottom ash

2.1.3. Characteristics of dolomite

2.2. Application in agriculture

2.2.2. Application of bottom ash in agriculture

2.2.3 Application of dolomite in agriculture

2.3. Degraded soil

Figure 2.2 Types of Land degradation

2.4. Soil properties

Soil specific gravity

2.5. Literature reviews

COAL COMBUSTION PRODUCT UTILIZATION FOR DEGRADED SOIL AMENDMENT

Figure 3.1. XRF result of feldspar

3.1.1.2 Dolomite chemical composition

Figure 3.2. XRF result of dolomite

3.1.1.3. Bottom ash chemical composition

Figure 3.3. XRF result of bottom ash

3.1.1.4. Soil chemical composition

Figure 3.4. XRF result of soil

3.1.2. Physical properties

Feldspar 4.574 16.767 0.092 2.56 1.205 52.868

Dolomite 8.329 7.197 71.53 2.73 0.987 63.826

Bottom ash 8.089 2.497 24.82 2.94 1.038 64.651

Soil 4.758 23 0.126 2.45 1.121 54.308

Figure 3.6. Soil texture triangle analysis

3.2. Equipment and procedure

Figure 3.7. A pH/ION/COND meter

Figure 3.8. A scale

Figure 3.9. Calibrating pH meter

3.2.2. Electrical conductivity (EC) measurement

Figure 3.10. EC measuring

3.2.3. Specific gravity measurement

Figure 3.11. A pycnometer

Figure 3.12. The sample measure in pycnometer

3.2.4. Bulk density measurement

Figure 3.13. A cylinder for core sample

Figure 3.14. Compact the sample in cylinder

3.2.5. Soil texture measurement

Figure 3.16. Soil hydrometer 151H and thermometer

A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of distilled water in the cylinder. It is

Figure. 3.17. Cylinder (1000 ml)

Figure 3.19. A balance

Figure 3.20. Sodium hexametaphosphate

Figure 3.21. Cover the cylinder by parafilm

Figure 3.22. shaking the cylinder

Figure 3.23. Do wet sieve experiment

Figure 3.24. Soil texture triangle