How to Treat Slag to Use for Flower Cultivation
Industrial slag and household coal slag, as common waste materials, can be transformed into a gardening神器 after scientific treatment. This material, rich in trace elements, can not only improve soil structure but also enhance the disease resistance of plants. Mastering the correct treatment method can allow these black particles to rejuvenate in the field of horticulture.
Key Steps in Pre-treating Slag
Secondary Combustion to Remove Impurities
Coal slag that has not been fully combusted contains harmful substances such as sulfides and needs to be combusted again in a well-ventilated area. Spread large pieces of slag on an iron plate and use a torch to assist heating until complete carbonization, controlling the flame temperature between 300-400°C to avoid excessive ash formation. The treated slag blocks will appear evenly brick red and easily crumble into granules when tapped.
Accurate Sieving and Particle Classification
Use double-layer sieves for classification: the upper layer with a 3mm aperture to separate coarse particles, and the lower layer with a 1mm (S) aperture to collect fine powder. Remove unburned coke blocks (substances with a carbon content >95%) and retain the intermediate layer rich in elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. The classified material needs to be soaked in water for 48 hours, changing the water 3-4 times to remove alkaline substances.
Core Technology for Slag Application
fine Soil Mixing Ratio Control
Fine particles (<1mm) should be mixed with garden soil at a 1:3 ratio, suitable for succulents, orchids, and other fleshy-rooted plants. Medium particles (1-3mm) should be mixed with decomposed leaf soil at a 1:2 ratio for flowering plants such as roses and jasmines. The total addition should not exceed 35% of the matrix to avoid excessive trace elements affecting the pH balance. It is recommended to test the soil EC value every half year, maintaining it between 0.8-1.2mS/cm for optimal conditions.
Innovative Application of Drainage Layer
Coarse particles (>3mm) replace traditional ceramsite as a drainage layer, with a铺设 height of 1/5 of the pot's depth. The porous structure formed after special treatment can store air and, combined with the siphon principle, create a micro-moist environment. Tests show that using slag as a drainage layer in potted plants increases root growth by 40% and reduces root rot by 65%.
Through these four systematic steps, slag can effectively improve the soil aggregate structure, and its silicate components can also enhance the strength of plant cell walls. It is recommended to start practicing with small potted plants, gradually mastering the material mixing skills, and allowing waste resources to achieve ecological circulation in the field of horticulture.