Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using modified steel slag instead of peat for growing coriander
By Lv S et al.·2026·School of Metallurgical Engineering, China·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Resource recovery of steel slag: Effects of partial substitution for soilless culture medium on coriander cultivation after modification.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at using modified steelmaking slag as a substitute for peat in growing coriander plants. The researchers treated the slag to reduce its alkalinity and heavy metal content, making it safer for plant growth. They found that when they replaced 20% of the peat with a specific size of the modified slag, the coriander grew just as well as it did in traditional growing mixes. This approach not only helps protect the environment by reducing the use of peat and managing heavy metals, but it also lowers costs for growing plants without soil. Overall, the modified slag is a safe and effective alternative to peat for growing coriander.
Abstract
To promote the resource utilization of steelmaking slag (SS) and reduce peat consumption, this study investigated the partial substitution of peat with modified steelmaking slag (MSS) for coriander cultivation. SS and iron tailings (1:1 w/w) were modified at 1550 °C to mitigate alkalinity and heavy metal risks. MSS of two particle sizes (20-60 mesh and 60-100 mesh) replaced peat in a standard mix (peat: perlite: vermiculite = 1:1:1 v/v/v) at weight ratios of 10%-40%. The results demonstrated that the modification significantly optimized the medium pH, EC, and heavy metal leaching profiles to meet coriander growth requirements. Optimal performance was observed at a 20% weight substitution ratio using 20-60 mesh MSS, where coriander growth parameters and soluble content matched commercial control levels. In conclusion, MSS serves as a safe and effective peat substitute within specific particle sizes (20-60 mesh) and weight replacement ratios (≤20%). This strategy not only mitigates ecological risks from slag alkalinity and heavy metals but also enhances the economic viability of soilless cultivation by reducing peat dependency and material costs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41693693