Evaluation of Concrete Grinding Residue Application On Roadside Soil Properties and Vegetation.

Diamond grinding of highway surfaces is a one-time maintenance operation to extend the highway surface life. Concrete grinding residue (CGR) is the byproduct of diamond grinding and has high pH, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium concentrations and small particle size. CGR slurry typically having a pH of 11-12 may have negative effect if applied to existing vegetation as well as on soil physical conditions. No reports in the literature have been identified that evaluated short- and medium-term effects of CGR application to in-situ soil properties or existing roadside vegetation in Nebraska. Thus research to determine the effect of one-time application of different CGR rates to roadside soil properties and existing vegetation is needed. Results of vegetation and soil responses to CGR roadside application at 0, 5, 10, 20, 40 tons/acre will be reported.