Abstract

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON GROWTH OF MAIZE AND CHROMIUM TRANSFORMATION IN CONTAMINATED SOIL

Dr. M. Nagarathinam*, Dr. P. Y. Narayanaswamy and Dr. S. Mahimairaja

Abstract

Indiscriminate disposal of tannery effluent has led to extensive contamination of soil and water in many parts of Vellore district, where large number of tanneries are located. In the current study, the effect of some organic amendments on the fertility of tannery effluent contaminated soil and bioavailability of chromium and its uptake by maize was examined in order to develop a remediation technology. The potential of selective organic amendments on soil fertility and bioavailability of chromium and its uptake by maize was examined by conducting a pot experiment. Soil samples were collected and analysed for soil parameters such as electrical conductivity, pH, N, P, K, organic carbon, micronutrients and chromium. The values of all growth parameters were higher in poultry manure treatment compared to other organic amendments. The application of organic amendments was found to be effective for reducing the bioavailable fractions of chromium, mainly through the formation of organometallic complexes demonstrating their potential in the bioremediation of chromium contaminated soil.

Keywords: Organic Amendments, Poultry manure, Soil fertility, Chromium contaminated soil, Tannery effluent, Organic manures.