Red mud : cutting pollution and boosting yields

Authors

Rob Summers

Keywords

Bauxite residues, Soil amendments, Soil water retention, Water repellent soils, Losses from soil, Soil conservation, Western Australia

Disciplines

Horticulture | Soil Science | Sustainability

First Page Number

55

Last Page Number

59

ISSN

0021-8618

Abstract

A by-product from the refining of bauxite ore in the South-West is proving a bonus for agriculture.

When spread over the land, not only is it improving soil quality, but it is helping to prevent leaching of phosphorus and the consequent massive algal blooms in the waterways.

Bauxite residue is also showing considerable promise in human and animal effluent disposal systems, composting urban refuse, sewage treatments and as a road base.

Western Australia is now in the forefront of this research which is attracting world-wide interest.

Recommended Citation

Summers, Rob (1994) "Red mud : cutting pollution and boosting yields," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 35: No. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol35/iss2/2