Ash-amended Soils Research Articles

Effect of Wood Ash-Amended Soil on Some Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Constituents of Telfairia occidentalis

Effect of Wood Ash-Amended Soil on Some Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Constituents of Telfairia occidentalis

Optimizing nutrients from fly ash-amended soil through microbial-assisted phytoremediation using response surface methodology.

Nutrients are vital ingredients to boost plant health. The availability of nutrients is limited in fly ash (FA) waste to properly implement phytoremediation. The research explored the integration of microbes and treated wastewater irrigation in phytoremediation to provide the necessary nutrients for plant growth in fly ash-amended soils. The Box-Behnken method was used to design the experimental layout for the pot study. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied as the optimization approach to model predictions for nutrient accumulation. The implemented pot study attained the highest morphological indicators with a plastochron index of 33.40, an absolute growth rate of 2.63 cm/day, and a leaf area of 2681.68 cm2 and attained maximum biomass of 24.91 g for the treatments that included a mid-range of the variables. The combination of FA 14.98%, microbial dose 4.07 mL, and treated wastewater as the irrigation source was found to be the optimized combination for nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation of 212.4 and 8.867 mg/L.

Agro-Waste Biochar to Reduce the Leaching of Heavy Metals from Coal Fly Ash Amended Soil

The soils added with coal fly ash may contain heavy metals potentially up to the levels of toxicity. Biochars have been successfully used in the past to reduce the bioavailability and leaching of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Therefore, the co-application of biochar together with coal fly ash could positively change the bioavailability and leaching characteristics of heavy metals in sandy soils through various fixing mechanisms. In the present study, the authors investigated the effect of agro-waste biochar in modifying the leaching loss of heavy metals from coal fly ash contaminated soils. Column leaching tests with simulated rainfall conditions were conducted for sandy Ultisol soils mixed with coal fly ash and avocado branch cut biomass biochar at 5 tons/ha rate. The results showed the presence of heavy metals in the leachate of fly ash added soil. Application of biochar significantly reduced the leachability of all the tested heavy metals in the study. The reduction rates were up to 55% compared to non-amended samples. Therefore, the agro-waste biochar can effective be used in stabilizing the heavy metals in coal fly ash contaminated soils, to minimize the risk of environmental contamination.

Response surface method for optimization of process variables for bioaccumulation of metals with Jatropha curcas on fly ash-amended soil.

Heavy metal contamination is a serious rising issue with the dumping of fly ash (FA). A recent focus of researches and practices tends towards reutilization of FA with bioremediation technique using various plants. The present research aimed to investigate optimum metal extraction in fly ash-amended soil using microbes and treated wastewater with Jatropha curcas plant using response surface methodology (RSM). The Box-Behnken design was used to determine the optimum condition for maximum metal remediation with three levels and three variables, viz., fly ash percentage (5, 12.5, 20%), microbial dose (0.5, 5.25, 10ml), and contaminant level of water to irrigate the plant (freshwater, treated wastewater, untreated wastewater). The approach adopted was to set fly ash percentage as "maximum," microbial dose as "minimum," and contaminant level of water to irrigate the plant as "in range." The outcome of the present research provided the best prediction models, integrated the process variables, and developed rotational curves for analyzing metal remediation in 360° rotation for Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Al as responses of interest. The optimum conditions for maximum bioremediation from fly ash-amended soils by bioaccumulation on Jatropha curcas plant worked out as 13.866% fly ash, 4.088ml microbial dose, and treated wastewater as type of water to irrigate the plant that bioaccumulated Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Al as to 26.904, 0.760, 0.160, 0.162, and 12.895mg/l.

Ensemble Learning Methods for Shear Strength Prediction of Fly Ash-Amended Soils with Lignin Reinforcement

For industrial applications in cold regions, a fly ash-amended soil with lignin reinforcement is introduced here. Predictive models were developed for soil shear strength based on two ensemble learning algorithms, to facilitate understanding soil properties with limited prior knowledge. First, over 270 unconsolidated undrained triaxial tests were conducted on the stabilized soil with varying soil moisture contents, percent lignin fiber, confining pressures, and curing conditions (uncured, 15 days curing, and 15 days curing along with freeze-thaw actions). Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and random forest (RF) were then applied to develop the predictive models for the specimens. A parallel genetic algorithm optimized the hyperparameters of both the XGBoost- and RF-based models. Next, monotonicity and sensitivity analyses were carried out with these models, to compare and assess their generalization capabilities. Finally, the peak shear strengths of the specimens finally correlated across different curing conditions. Given different training sample sizes, the XGBoost-based model consistently outperformed the RF-based model, particularly when half of the samples were fed as input. The root-mean-squared error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R2) values of the XGBoost-based model on the test set are approximately 105−135, 5%−7%, and 0.85, respectively. Some essential features that are overlooked by conventional analysis have been identified with ensemble learning. This study demonstrates the potential of ensemble methods to tackle regression and prediction issues arising in civil engineering with less experimental data.

Antioxidant Activity of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) in Response to Metal(loid) Induced Oxidative Stress from Fly Ash Amended Soil

Antioxidant Activity of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) in Response to Metal(loid) Induced Oxidative Stress from Fly Ash Amended Soil

Role of different organic and inorganic amendments in the biofortification of iodine in Coriandrum sativum crop

Iodine deficiency disorder (IDDs) is one of the most prevailing and common health issues in mountainous communities. An effective way to control the prevalence and emergence of IDDs in remote areas is to use iodized salt. However, recent studies indicated that iodized salt is mostly lost during the cooking process. The current study of iodine biofortification differed from the previous studies in two main aspects: it involved exogenous organic iodine (OI), and inorganic iodine such as potassium iodide (KI), added in the amended soils, which previous studies did not consider. Moreover, the translocation, transformation, and distribution of iodine from soil to plants are poorly understood in amended soil. Thus, identifying an effective management option to enhance iodine (I) bioavailability in nutrient-deficient soils is currently a significant challenge. Therefore, a greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic soil amendments on the uptake of different iodine sources in coriander crops. Results showed that applying an inorganic iodine source significantly enhanced the iodine edible part of the crop compared to the control (p < 0.05). The application of soil amendments relatively improved iodine uptake by the coriander crop compared to the control. The highest iodine was found in crop tissues grown in wood ash-amended soil supplemented with KI (291.97 μg kg−1). The KI uptake was significantly higher than the OI (p < 0.05). Compared to OI, a higher translocation factor (0.96) and distribution coefficient (3.51) were found for plants treated with KI. Thus, this study indicates that a suitable soil amendment can be a better option for iodine biofortification and that it can serve as an alternative to iodized salt in preventing IDDs.

Rhizobium induced modulation of growth and photosynthetic efficiency of Lens culinaris Medik. grown on fly ash amended soil by antioxidants regulation.

Rhizobium leguminosarum is a rhizospheres' nitrogen fixing microbe that improves plant growth and productivity by releasing sufficient nutrient sources from the root, by biological nitrogen fixation, solubilization of phosphorous, acquisition of iron, and enhancement of antioxidant activity in plants. On this account, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to assess the feasibility of growing lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) on fly ash (FA) amended soil (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) in combination with R. leguminosarum inoculation. The data was recorded at 45day after sowing to evaluate the plant growth characteristics, photosynthetic variables (total chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments, carbonic anhydrase activity, nitrate reductase activity), damage markers (ROS, MDA, and cell viability), and defensive factors (proline and antioxidants). Among the FA-proportions tested, 20% proved most favorable in all the mentioned attributes while 30% concentration had negative repercussions on all the variables. Rhizobium inoculation had synergistic effect on all the concentrations being maximum on 20% FA. Thus, Rhizobium and 20% FA caused a significant increase on growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigments; stomatal behavior (aperture shape, size, and frequency of stomata); and activity of CA and NR, and cell viability. Application of Rhizobium on 20% FA was corroborated with decline in MDA and ROS contents and a coordinated enhancement of the activity of SOD, CAT, and POX. Therefore, 20% FA with flyash-tolerant strain of Rhizobium in Lens culinaris may be utilized as an integrated approach towards sustainable agriculture and an impulse of management of fly-ash.

Submergence and Wave Action Resilience of Vetiver Grass Protected Fly Ash Amended Soil Slopes

Submergence and Wave Action Resilience of Vetiver Grass Protected Fly Ash Amended Soil Slopes

Studies on Growth and Yield Response of Jatropha curcas Plant on Fly Ash Amended Soil

ABSTRACT Fly Ash (FA) is usually considered unfavorable to plant growth and its disposal has become a serious environmental issue. However, some studies on revegetation on fly ash dumps showed some agricultural potential of the fly ash. The present study attempts to judiciously utilize the waste fly ash as a soil amendment and assess the feasibility of growth of energy plants viz. Jatropha on fly ash amended soil in varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%). The study primarily focuses on growth and yield to judge the suitable content of fly ash favoring plant growth. Plastochron Index (PI) and plant morphological characteristics are used to assess the growth whereas, the yield is assesses based on biomass and other parameters estimated after completion of the experimental duration. The growth and yield assessment indicated better sustenance of Jatropha plant on soil amended with 10% fly ash

Antioxidant Activity in Plants Grown in Fly Ash Amended Soil

Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy Antioxidant Activity in Plants Grown in Fly Ash Amended Soil Praveen Dahiya* Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, 201303, Uttar Pradesh *Corresponding author: Praveen Dahiya, Associate Professor, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India Submission: December 14, 2021 Published: January 07, 2022 DOI: 10.31031/MCDA.2022.10.000728 ISSN 2637-7659Volume10 Issue 1

Antioxidative enzymes in root and leaf of Rumex obtusifolius L. grown on ash amended soil

Antioxidant enzymes are one of the most important links in the plant defense system to various types of environmental stress, so their response to a particular type of stress may indicate the sensitivity or tolerance of the plant species. Our paper studied the difference in antioxidative enzyme [catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and Class III peroxidases (POD, EC 1.11.1.7)], isoenzyme pattern and activities between Rumex obtusifolius L. (Polygonaceae) plants grown on ash amended and uncontaminated soil. Modified SDS-PAGE electrophoresis revealed the presence of a new POD isoform in leaf samples growing on ash-amended soil, although the activity of POD in the leaves did not change significantly compared to control plants. On the other hand, in the roots of ash-growing plants POD activity decreased by 90%. Single CAT isoform was detected in both leaf samples, and results indicate 47% higher CAT activity in leaves of ash growing plants. Native electrophoresis detected two SOD isoforms in leaves and roots from the control plant. SOD isoforms were inhibited in the roots of plants grown on ash. The paper indicates the possible role of CAT, SOD and POD in the adaptive response of R. obtusifolius plants on ash amended soil.

Alteration in chemical composition and antioxidant defense potential of essential oil of Jatropha curcas L. grown in fly ash-amended soil

Alteration in chemical composition and antioxidant defense potential of essential oil of Jatropha curcas L. grown in fly ash-amended soil

Environmental Risk Assessment of Coal-Ash-Amended Soil Based on Continuous Planting of Pakchoi

The agricultural application of coal ash which contains a variety of chemical nutrients may also cause heavy metal pollution of crops and soil. In this study, pakchoi was cultivated for four consecutive seasons in pots of brown soil amended with fly ash or bottom ash. With subsequent plantings, the total concentrations in the four fractions of Pb, Cr and Cu decreased, while the concentrations of Pb, Cr and Zn dissolved in acetic acid increased. The lowest fresh weight of pakchoi were seen when 15% fly ash was applied. The edible parts of pakchoi contained more heavy metals than the roots. Calculating the Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) according to the Environmental Protection Standards, the risk of heavy metals in coal ash-amended soils was low. With subsequent plantings, the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) of Pb, Cr and Zn increased gradually and Zn eventually reached a medium level. The study confirmed that coal ash had phytotoxic effects on pakchoi and application of coal ash confered a risk of soil pollution.

Growth with Some Biochemical Responses in Two Cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. to Fly Ash Amended Soil

Background: According to the United Nations “the world population prospects 2019” report, the population of the world is expected to increase currently from 7.7 billion to 9.7 billion in 2050. This rapid growth in the population will adversely put incredible stress on our climate, food and health. As we are already running out of natural resources, it is high time to rethink our policies. Sustainable development is the need of an hour. Some policy decisions are required to overcome such expected challenges. To maintain the balance between the demand and supply there should be a prearranged, preplanned mechanism to be adopted for the sustainable growth and development of the production-cum-consumption system at a global level. In this paper, we will try to experimentally demonstrate how the growth of some legume crops is helpful to us we will also scientifically prove the utility of environmental pollutant fly-ash as an alternative fertilizer. Methods: An experiment was conducted during the month of October to February (2018-2019) at the C.C.S. University Campus, Meerut. Different amounts of fly ash of 20, 40, 60 gm/m2 and two diverse chickpea genotype JG-11 and JG-14 were taken as experimental material. Result: Fly ash in a sufficient amount increases the availability of macro- and micro-nutrient of the soil which is beneficial to plant growth and development. Fly ash significantly improved the physio-chemical properties of soil such as pH, CEC, BD, PD and also improves chickpea growth and yield. Fly ash found safe for agriculture applications in 20-40 gm/m2 range in the context of fertilizer.

Physiological response of metal tolerance and detoxification in castor (Ricinus communis L.) under fly ash-amended soil

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a metal tolerant plants and its ability to survive in highly polluted sites as well as its capacity for metal accumulation. There are very few reports on their physiological mechanism of metal tolerance and detoxification under fly ash. Therefore, an in-situ experiment was designed to study its biomass accumulation, photosynthetic response and antioxidative metabolism under different levels of fly ash amendments. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in plant biomass and metal tolerance index was observed in R. communis under 50 % fly ash in soil amendments in comparison to the control plants. In addition, photosynthetic activity was not significantly altered under fly ash amended soil in comparison to the garden soil, but these responses/activities were remarkable lowered under bare fly ash. The induction of antioxidant enzymes was also observed in different tissue over control under fly ash treatments. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cr in R. communis were recorded greater than one under fly ash (50%) with soil amendments. Therefore, it concluded that it can be used for phytoremediation of fly ash and fly ash (50%) with soil amendments enhanced phytoremediation ability.

Growth, biochemical, and antioxidant response of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in fly ash-amended soil

A pot experiment was conducted under net house conditions to study the ameliorative role of different levels of fly ash as a soil amendment, on the growth markers, biochemical attributes, and the antioxidant enzyme activity of beetroot. Seeds of beetroot were sown in earthen pots containing growth substrate, consisting of field soil amended with different levels of fly ash (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% weight/weight). Beetroot grown in 15% fly ash-amended soil had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher plant growth and pigment content as compared to the control. With the improvement in nitrate reductase activity, the contents of total protein and carbohydrate also increased significantly at 15% fly ash. The proline content and the total antioxidant activity of beetroot increased significantly with increasing fly ash levels. The elevated levels of proline and antioxidant activity might be responsible for scavenging the oxidative stress caused by the higher concentration of fly ash in the soil. The principal component analysis presented significant correlations among the various considered parameters. Two principal components explained a total of 97.12% overall data variability in plants treated with different levels of fly ash. Therefore, this work suggests that the application of fly ash as a soil amendment is suitable to improve the growth and yield of beetroot.

Suitability of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.) cultivation on fly ash-amended soil for better growth and oil content

Sustainable application of fly ash and its management in agriculture is a major challenge nowadays. A pot culture experiment was conducted to find out the most suitable level of fly ash application for soil amendments that can improve the plant growth and productivity of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.). After growing seedlings of B. monnieri under different levels of fly ash for 90 days, a significant increase in plant biomass, essential oil content and tolerance index (more than 100%) was observed under 25% of fly ash amended soil in comparison to garden soil and higher fly ash treatments. Leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters were remained unchanged under 25% of fly ash as compared to seedlings grown on garden soil. However, these parameters were significantly declined under higher concentrations of fly ash treatments. Higher levels of fly ash caused oxidative damage and the induction of some antioxidative enzymes activities in B. monnieri indicates its capability to endure oxidative stress tolerance. Overall, our study showed that 25% of fly ash can be used as soil amendment for cultivation of B. monnieri L. leading to enhance plant biomass and essential oil production.

Phytoremediation potential of naturally growing weed plants grown on fly ash-amended soil for restoration of fly ash deposit

Sida acuta Burm. f. and Cassia tora (L.) Roxb were identified as dominant plant species in fly ash deposit of NALCO, Koraput, India in our earlier study. However, little information is available on their physiological response to metal stress under fly ash amended soil. A pot experiment was designed with fly ash amended soil to assess its growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant defense along with metal accumulation. Addition of fly ash (50%) in soil amendments not only improved the soil physico-chemical characteristics but also increased the plant biomass. The studied plants were found to be a potential metal tolerant as metal tolerance index was more than 100% under fly ash amended soil. Leaf photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content and photosystem II activity were not significantly changed under low level of fly ash amended soil (50%) compared to the garden soil. The induction of some antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, Guaiacol peroxidase and catalase in studied plants under elevated fly ash indicates metal tolerance ability of this plant to oxidative stress. Based on the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and transfer factor (TF), these plants can be used for the remediation of Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr from fly ash.

Effect of coal and wood ash on phosphorus immobilization in different textured soils

Decreased phosphorus (P) losses and improved environmental quality are crucial to consider while recycling farm wastes and adding various soil amendments. This study investigated the impact of coal and wood ash on the extractability of P from soils (sandy loam and loamy sand) amended with organic and inorganic phosphorus fertilizers. These soils were further amended coal and wood ash, and analyses were carried out to quantify the water-, Olsen-, and Mehlich 1-extractable P. Ratio of the ashes applied to soils were 5% to sandy loam soil while 10% to loamy sand soil. Water-extractable P was observed to be mainly dependent on the ash type as well as the extraction method. Ash amendment reduced the solubilization of P across soils up to 9% and 23% and 7% to 17% upon 5% and 10% ash amendment in loamy sand and sandy loam soils, respectively. However, the water-extractable P was found to be low in wood ash-amended soil as compared to coal ash. Interestingly, this extractability was greater in soils treated with inorganic P. Phosphorus extraction from soil followed the trend as Mehlich 1 > Olsen > water. P leachability was found to be mainly dependent on ash amendment but values were high for the soil treated with inorganic P. The study inferred that using ash materials such as coal ash and wood ash can be a practical measure for moderating P losses from soils important for economic and environmental perspectives.