New Ground Ripe for Foundry Sands

20091221
Journal: Soil & Mulch Producer News, Vol. 2, No. 6, November/December 2008
Author: Day, M.

This article summarizes the state of the research and practice for the use of foundry sand in soil blending operations, as a follow up to the 2008 Foundry Sand Soils Forum. Researchers involved in the US Department of Agriculture Foundry Sand Initiative describe their work and their conclusions, which are that iron, steel and aluminum foundry sands contain potential contaminants at levels comparable to, or below, native soils. Several nursery operators with experience using foundry sands in horticulture and landscaping also provide their perspectives. The article is distributed with permission from Soil & Mulch Producers News, which published it in November/December 2008.