Paper Title
COAL CLINKER ASH ASSESSMENT FOR NITROGEN, POTASSIUM, AND C/N TRANSFORMATIONS IN SANDY SOIL

Abstract
Abstract - Problem statement Plant nutrient leaching is one of the biggest limitations in agricultural crop production, chiefly on sandy soils. The utilization of coal clinker ash (CA) remains subdued in cropping systems, yet its characterization reveals that it has the capability to improve poor agricultural soils. This study was done to assess the potential of CA to improve nitrogen and potassium retention as well as its influence on the C/N ratio in sandy soils. Methods Leaching experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with an uncontrolled environment at Tottori University in Japan. Using cylindrical PVC pipes, 50 cm in length and a diameter of 10.5 cm, one end was closed with a water-porous material to allow for drainage. The treatments included control (sandy only), CA1 10 %, CA1 20 %, CA2 10 %, CA2 20 %, and rice biochar (positive control) at 5 % w/w, replicated three times. Results The concentration of total NO3 – -N leached wassignificantly affected by the application of clinker ash, with CA at 10 % for both types leaching at par with biochar. Solution K was leached highest in CA1 at 20 % and forNH4+ -N retention, CA2 treatments retained the highest amount. C: N ratio of sandy soil was equally affected and improved by the application of clinker ash. After the leaching period, pH and ECtested were significantly affected by the application of clinker ash. Conclusion Clinker ash is embedded withcharacteristics that are critical in improving the nutrient and chemical properties of sandy soil. Keywords - Nitrate, Ammonium, Potassium, Leaching, Incubation, Retention