Vol. 19 No. 2
Vermicomposted red mud- An up-and-coming approach towards soil fertility and crop quality
Author(s): K. CHARAN AND P. BHATTACHARYYA
Abstract: In present study, the Eisenia foetida -mediated red mud-vermicompost was used for crop trial by taking Vigna radiata L. as tested crop. An improved soil quality with significant elevation (>60%) in NPK status in soil was resulted from the application of red mud vermicompost. Furthermore, significant reduction in bioavailability of toxic metals (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb) and subsequent plant uptake which was in the order of root>shoot>grain was achieved (Root 0.1-13mg kg-1; Shoot 2.23-9.45 mg kg-1; Grain 1-9 mg kg-1) Detected Cr (1.5-3.1 mg kg-1) and Ni (2.4-3.1 mg kg-1) in edible parts under organics intervention were within permissible limits. Free ion activity modelling (FIAM) based on soil pH, organic carbon, and labile metal (WS-EX) ensures insignificant grain uptake of toxic metal (Cr, Ni) including positive transport of micronutrient (Cu) in presence of increased organic C. Risk factor analysis confirmed intake of metal will be hazard free corresponding to hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR) values. Moreover, the composite treatment (VC1:2 50%+NPK50%) attributed profuse yield of Vigna radiata L (15.90 g plant-1). hence could be an alternative agronomic practice.
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