Activation of sub-bituminous coal with dolomite to improve chemical properties and palm oil growth on ultisols

Abstract

Abstract Sub-bituminous coal [SC] activation with dolomite is the future technology in utilizing coal as an alternative organic material [Humic Substance]. This study aims to study the effect of SC activated with dolomite in improving the chemical properties of Ultisols and palm oil growth at the main-nursery stage [Elaeis guineensis Jacq.] In Dharmasraya. The experimental design was in Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications consisting of 6 treatments : A = 150g SC planting hole−1; B = 300g SC planting hole−1; C = 450g SC planting hole−1; D = 150g SC + 10% [15g] dolomite planting hole−1; E = 300g + 10% [30g] dolomite planting hole−1 and F = 450g SC + 10% [45g] dolomite planting hole−1. The results showed that the effect of activation on SC differs from those treatments without activation with dolomite. Effect of 450g SC activated with dolomite planting hole−1 is significant on the chemical properties of Ultisols, such as increasing in pH, available P, organic C, total N, CEC [Cation exchange capacity], and K, Ca, Exch-Mg, by 0.44 units, 1.33 ppm P, 0.44% C, 0.04% N, 0.25, 0.27, and 0.29 cmolckg−1, compared to 450g SC without activator and an increase in palm oil growth on height [12.33cm], stem diameter [0.84cm] and N, P, and K nutrient concentration from leaf of plant [0.014% N, 0.004% P, 0.002% K], compared to 450g SC without activator.