Investigation was carried out to assess the effect of cement dust deposition on the physico-chemical properties of soil near some cement plants in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Soil samples were collected and analysed and compared with the control site. Comparison of various soil physico-chemical parameters revealed that cement dust emanating from cement plants has changed the soil quality in the surrounding areas of cement plants. The normal soil pH in the area is generally acidic. However, due to the continuous deposition of cement dust soil pH was found slightly alkaline near the cement plants. The higher values of soil parameters such as electrical conductivity and bulk density were also noticed near the cement plants. However, lower values of water holding capacity, soil moisture content, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content were found compared to the control sites. The effect of cement dust deposition on soil is more in areas nearer to the cement plants. At present the changes may not be so serious but if this trend continues, soil properties of a vast area around the cement plants are likely to change leading to multiple effects on flora, fauna and socio-economy of the area.
The long term rainfall data for Sali rice season (June-November) of Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya has been analyzed to estimate expected weekly rainfall at various probability levels. Based on expected rainfall at 50 and 75% probability levels and water requirement, a crop calendar for Sali rice has been prepared for the district. The calendar is assumed to be applicable for the whole district irrespective of terrain differences as rice is mostly grown in comparatively plain lands in bunded condition. 22nd to 24th meteorological weeks have been suggested best for sowing/transplanting to avoid any kind of water stress during the critical growth periods. Amount of water required to maintain at least 5 cm of standing water in the field up to the dough stage has also been clacilated.
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