TY  - JOUR
A1  - Akimbekov, Nuraly S.
A1  - Digel, Ilya
A1  - Tastambek, Kuanysh T.
A1  - Sherelkhan, Dinara K.
A1  - Jussupova, Dariya B.
A1  - Altynbay, Nazym P.
T1  - Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management
JF  - Agriculture
N2  - 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.
KW  - soil remediation
KW  - crop yield
KW  - soil health
KW  - soil amendment
KW  - low-rank coal
Y1  - 2021
U6  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121261
SN  - 2077-0472
N1  - This article belongs to the Special Issue "From Waste to Fertilizer in Sustainable Agriculture"
VL  - 11
IS  - 12
PB  - MDPI
CY  - Basel
ER  -