Cement kiln dust (CKD) and digestate for improving soil quality and crop yield and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Cement kiln dust (CKD) from the cement industry and digestate from the biogas production process are industrial by-products that can be used to improve soil fertility. The intern will study, over four years, the effect of CKD, digestate and a humic acid product on soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and crop yield and quality in a wheat-canola rotation in an acidic soil. The intern, and the rest of the research team and the partner organization will work together to disseminate the research findings to farmers across the country, in western Canada in particular, and provide policy input for the proper management of CKD and digestate. The intern will receive comprehensive training on experimental design, project management, soil and greenhouse gas measurement, crop management, and communication skills. The partner organization will receive scientific data on the agronomic value of CKD and the combined use of CKD and digestate and humic acid to guide their operations. The findings from this research will be promoted through public seminars and various forms of publications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Chang

Student:

Partner:

Norstar

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture; Wholesale trade

University:

University of Alberta

Program: