Physical,Chemical, and Engineering Properties of Landfill Stabilized Waste

In order to utilize landfill stabilized waste (LSW) as growing substrate for plants during restoration projects, LSW were sampled from five landfills; the properties of unconsolidated samples and those after 3 years of settlement were determined in comparison with farm soil. Results showed that (i) unconsolidated LSW was a soil‐like material with high porosity and infiltration rate, which also had low bulk density and shear strength. After 3 years of settlement, its physical properties were similar to those of farm soil. (ii) The contents of available K, available N, available P, and organic matter of LSW were 5·0–21·6 times higher than the values of surrounding farm soil. (iii) The waste samples from 3/5 landfills were suitable for cultivation based on their heavy metal contents, but two samples contained over‐limit Hg and/or Zn. (iv) LSW had higher water content, and generally, less surface runoff was generated on LSW slope under natural precipitation compared with the farm soil slope. (v) Water extract of LSW had no significant effect on seed germination, and the effect of LSW on seedling growth depended on plant species. On the basis of the results, LSW can be used in ecological restoration as plant‐growing substrate, but measures should be taken to prevent heavy metal contamination and soil erosion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.