Effects of ammonium nitrate encapsulated with coal combustion byproducts on nutrient accumulation by corn and rye

ABSTRACTAmmonium nitrate is a fertilizer and an explosive. Encapsulation of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) with coal combustion byproducts (fly ash or flue gas desulfurization gypsum) reduces the explosiveness of NH4NO3. A field study was conducted to determine the effects of encapsulated NH4NO3 on corn (Zea mays L.) and rye (Secale cereal L.) yield and accumulation of nitrogen (N), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), iron (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Nitrogen rates were 56 and 112 kg ha−1. Yields and concentrations of N and metals in corn grain, ear-leaf, and stover and in rye shoots were not affected by N source. Increased N rate resulted in increased corn ear-leaf, grain, and stover N, ear-leaf Cu, Mn, and Zn, and rye shoot yield, Cu, and Zn. For both species, metal levels did not exceed normal ranges. Coal byproduct-encapsulated NH4NO3 is as effective as non-encapsulated NH4NO3 for corn or rye production, without increasing plant metal concentrations above normal levels.