A Study on Micro-Nutrients of Alkaline Soils by Using Paddy Husk Ash

Alkaline soils are known to adversely affect agricultural crop productivity. Problems commonly attributed to such soils include high value of pH, nutrient deficiency, poor structure and less soil microbes. The present study communicates the amelioration of micro-nutrients of alkaline soils by the application of Paddy husk ash obtained from rice mill. In this investigation, studies were conducted for identification of alkaline soils and also analyzation of industrial wastes of paddy husk ash to assess its potentiality for micronutrients amelioration of alkaline soils, for agricultural purpose. Paddy husk ash wastes contain significant quantities of micro nutrients like Ferrous, Zinc, copper, and Manganese which are quite essential for agricultural soils. Hence, amelioration studies were conducted by treating the alkaline soil with paddy husk ash quantities ranging from 10 to100 ton/ha. A number of pH, EC, and micronutrient properties were investigated. From this study, it is revealed that the micronutrients of alkaline soils like zinc, copper, ferrous and EC values were improved and values of pH and Manganese decreased. The study also estimated, the quantities of paddy husk ash required for amelioration of micronutrients in alkaline soils.