Physical and chemical properties, the salt accumulation and leaching of salt by water of coal fly ash ball (ash ball) were evaluated in comparison with perlite and granule rockwool (rockwool). Bulk density, particle density, solid phase, and porosity of ash ball were 0.93 g.cm$^{-3}$ , 2.29 g.cm$^{-3}$ , 40.6%, 59.4%, respectively. The bulk density of ash ball was greater, while porosity was smaller, than that of perlite and rockwool. Saturation moisture capacity was 52% in ash ball, 71% in perlite, and 90% in rockwool. Water contents after drainage for 1 hr of ash ball, perlite, and rockwool were 21%, 27%, and 80%, respectively. Water content of small granules (3-5 mm) of ash ball was 5% greater than that of large (7-15 mm) grannules. The ash ball was a weak alkali substrate with pH 7.6, but not electric conductivity (EC), of the nutrient solution supplied to ash ball slightly increased. When the absorption of mineral ions to substrates were analyzed, ash ball and RW absorbed mainly PO￣$_4$. On tomato culture, salt accumulation in ash ball substrate was similar to that in perlite. Most of the salts in the ash balls were removed by submerging the substrate eight times in distilled water. It is concluded that water holding capacity of ash ball substrate was lo as compared to other substrates, but air permeability, and water diffusion was excellent, making control of medium water content easy.