Alginite an oil shale in basalt maars

 

Authors: Vass D, Konečný V, Elečko M

Published in: Bulletin of Geosciences, volume 74, issue 2; pages: 127 - 130;

Keywords: basalt maar, alginite, fertiliser, environment protection,

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Abstract

A basalt maar situated nearby the village of Pinciná (district Lučenec, Southern Slovakia) is filled by the alginite. The alginite is a rock rich in organic matter of algal origin. Because of this fact the alginite has the qualities predestinating it to be used as a fertiliser, or soil activator in the forestry, agriculture, and horticulture. The positive qualities are given by high humus content (on average 15.5 wt. %), elevated content of macronutrients (P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg) as well as micronutrients. It contains the trace elements but the toxic heavy metals are below the toxicity limit. The alginite has high water absorption capacity - in average 110 wt. % and high surface area (313-654 m2.g-1) that is given by special features of the organic matter (kerogene type II) and by presence of the smectite. According to the experiences in Hungary the similar alginite is effectively used in the agriculture and in horticulture as fertiliser and/or starter of the growth without any harming effect on plants and natural environment. Thus the alginite might be useful in nature preservation.