Cordyline fruticosa Growth and Soil Microbial Quality with Topical Application of Coal Combustion By-Products Aggregates

Coal combustion by-products aggregates (CCAs) are a solidified composite of fly and bottom ashes (2:1, by wt). Here, we assessed the feasibility of beneficial use of CCAs as a soil amendment or conditioner by conducting an outdoor experiment with Cordyline fruticosa (lucky plant) to determine its growth and soil microbial quality under the influence of topical CCA application (95 tons ha21). Enhanced growth of C. fruticosa with CCA application was noted, with respect to plant height, growth rate, leaf size, and leaf chlorophyll intensity. Soil dehydrogenase activity and total heterotrophic bacteria count were greater with topical CCA application, especially in the 5–15-cm layer, than in the control system without CCAs. The stimulated soil microbial quality due to the influence of CCAs was believed to be responsible, at least in part, for enhanced growth and health of C. fruticosa. Therefore, CCAs can be construed as beneficial as a soil amendment or conditioner for decorative plants such as C. fruticosa.