Flyash Incorporation Effect on Soil Health and Yield of Maize and Rice

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in villages around National Capital Power Project (NCPP), Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India during 1995 to evaluate flyash incorporation effects on soil health and growth and yield of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> <i>L.</i>)<i> </i>and rice (<i>Oryza</i> <i>sativa L.</i>).<i> </i>Flyash application levels (up to 10t/ha) were decided on the basis of an ash/dust fall range of 5 to 12 t/ha/y in the villages adjoining thermal power station. The grain yield of maize increased in flyash added plots, whereas rice yield was similar to flyash treated plots. Flyash added plots had marginally higher uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cd, but values were insignificant. Flyash application in soil resulted in lower bulk density. Flyash addition also reduced hydraulic conductivity and improved moisture retention at field capacity and permanent wilting point. These changes in the soil characteristics might have been due to modifications in the macro- and micro-pore size distribution which also contributed to increased yield of maize in light and medium textured soils.