The application of calcium containing tannery sludge for amelioration of alkali soils

Abstract

Tannery industry is one of the major industries in India. Solid waste from these industries contains high amount of calcium (17.2%) alongside considerable amount of essential nutrients and organic matter. The effects of sludge along with organic manures were assessed in comparison with gypsum on biometric observations and physicochemical properties of soil by conducting incubation and pot culture experiments had been assessed. A pot culture experiment was conducted during between 2015 and 2016 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy in Tamil Nadu with marigold as test crop. our results indicated that the applications of tannery sludge along with organic amendments significantly improved the soil chemical properties by reducing the pH and ESP (Exchangeable Sodium Percentage) of soil and increasing the exchangeable calcium (Ca) content, coupled with decreasing exchangeable sodium (Na) levels. Such reclamation effect was much pronounced when tannery sludge was combined with press mud and vermicompost. Thus the treatment, T6 (TS @ 100% GR+Pressmud @ 10 t ha -1 ) recorded the highest exchangeable Ca and lowest exchangeable Na content of soil with considerable decrease in pH.