Abstract: In this study, we measured and analyzed the chemical composition of the slag. Different seeds (corn, eggplant, rice and periwinkle) were planted in the heavy (mild) saline-alkali soil and slag with HPMA agent. The growth of plants was observed, the feasibility of using this waste for soil improvements is the aim of this study. Comparison between slag and different soils showed that both had the similar chemical composition. Some components including CaO, Fe₂O₃, MgO, MnO₂ in slag was obviously higher than the soil, while some others including TiO₂, K₂O, Na₂O, P₂O₅ in slag was not detectable. Together with HPMA agent, slag mixing with saline alkali soil (heavy and mild) could significantly improve germination and growth rate of corn, eggplant, rice and periwinkle. Compared with typical greenhouse soil conditioners of vermiculite and perlite, similar germination and growth rate in different plants were observed in the slag matrix. Furthermore, similar to the function of flower soil (peat), germination and growth rate of variable plants manifested that mixture of slag and bark soil (an abundant local resource) can be used as a compound soil conditioner, which can enrich soil fertility and improve soil physical structure. The preliminary study showed that the slag can be used for salinealkali soil improvement and the soil structure improvement for facilities agriculture. It also has the potential for the formation of compound soil conditioner combined with the local bark soil resources.

Key words: soil degradation, slag from Xilin factory, soil improvement, soil conditioner