Potential of Amended Silt as Nutrient Input in Agriculture - A Chemical Composition Analysis

DEVIKA  VISWANATHAN; SHEEBA  REBECCA ISAAC; SHALINI  PILLAI P; G.J.  SHIMI

doi:10.54894/JISCAR.42.1.2024.149402

Authors

DEVIKA VISWANATHAN Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 522, Kerala, India
SHEEBA REBECCA ISAAC Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Kumarakom, Kottayam - 686 563, Kerala, India
SHALINI PILLAI P Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 522, Kerala, India
G.J. SHIMI Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Kumarakom, Kottayam - 686 563, Kerala, India

https://doi.org/10.54894/JISCAR.42.1.2024.149402

Keywords:

Amendment, C:N ratio, Eichhornia, Nutrient, Salvinia, Sediments

Abstract

Accumulation of silt in channels and ponds has necessitated its removal, and its proper utilization has become pertinent for effective disposal. The present investigation aimed to explore the potential of using silt as a nutrient input and amending it with aquatic weeds paving the way to address the aquatic weed menace. The experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam, during September to November 2022. The nutrient composition of silt was assessed and was amended in a 2:1 ratio (v/v) with various organic inputs, namely, FYM, Gliricidia leaves, Salvinia, Salvinia + Gliricidia leaves, Eichhornia + Gliricidia leaves, vermicomposted Eichhornia, and coir pith compost. Additionally, dolomite was added based on the initial pH of the silt to adjust it to pH 7. The results indicated an enhancement in the nutrient status of silt following amendment. The amended silt had higher nutrient contents and lower C:N ratio compared to the raw materials and unamended silt. Among the treatments, silt amended with Gliricidia leaves and Salvinia was found to be the most suitable option owing to its higher overall nutrient composition.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Bai, S.H., Gallart, M., Singh, K., Hannet, G., Komolong, B., Yinil, D., Field, D.J., Muqaddas, B. and Wallace, H.M. (2022). Leaf litter species affects decomposition rate and nutrient release in a cocoa plantation. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 324: 701-705.

Black, C.A., Evans, D.D., Ensminger, L.E., White, J.L., and Clark, F.E. (1965). Methods of Soil Analysis, American Society of Agronomy, Madison, USA. 1569 p.

Bouyoucos, G.J. (1962). Hydrometer method for making particle size analysis of soils. Agronomy Journal 54(5): 464-465.

Casida, L.E. (1977). Microbial metabolic activity in soil as measured by dehydrogenase determinations. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 34: 630-636.

Drozdz, D., Malinska, K., Mazurkiewicz, J., Kacprzak, M., Mrowiec, M., Szczypior, A., Postawa, P., and Stachowiak, T. (2020). Potential of fish pond sediments composts as organic fertilizers. Waste Biomass Volarization 11: 5151-5163.

FAI [Fertilizer Association of India]. (2017). The Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, The Fertilizer Association of India, New Delhi. Available: https://www. astaspice.org/food-safety/astas-analytical-methods-manual [Assessed 03 March 2023].

Gopinath, P.P., Prasad, R., Joseph, B., and Adarsh, V.S. (2020). GRAPES: General Rshiny Based Analysis Platform Empowered by Statistics. 108 p. https://www.kaugrapes.com/home.version1.0.0. DOI:0.5281/zenodo.4923220

Gupta, U.C. (1967). A simplified method for determining hot-water soluble form of boron in Podzol soils. Soil Science 103: 424-428.

Jackson, M.L. (1973). Soil Chemical Analysis, Second edition, Prentice-Hall of India (Pvt.) Ltd., New Delhi. 498 p.

Kadam, P.D., Vaidya, P.H., Dhawan, A.S. and Ingole, A.J. (2016). Effect of tank silt and organic manures on soil moisture, nutrients availability in soil, yield and uptake of okra. Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences 6(1): 640-644.

KAU (Kerala Agricultural University). (2017). Productivity enhancement through biodiversity based farming models in Kuttanad. In: Kuttanad Package Report. Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala. 122 p.

Kharche, V.K., Patil, S.M., Mali, D.V., Jadhao, S.M., Shirale, A.O. and Katkar, R.N. (2017). Impact of tank silt on soil quality and crop productivity in rainfed areas: A case study from central India. In: Sustainable Management of Land Resources, Apple Academic Press, Florida. pp 581-600.

Piper, C.S. (1967). Soil and Plant Analysis. Asia Publishing House, Bombay. 368p.

Rahman, M.M., Yakupitiyage, A. and Ranamukhaarachi, S.L. (2004). Agricultural use of fishpond sediment for environmental amelioration. Science and Technology Asia 9(4): 1-10.

Sims, J.T. and Johnson, G.V. (1991). Micronutrients in Agriculture, Soil Science Society of America, Madison, USA. 50 p.

Subbaiah, B.V. and Asija, G.L.A. (1956). A rapid procedure for the estimation of available nitrogen in soil. Current Science 25: 259-360.

Vinotha, S.P., Parthasarathi, K. and Ranganathan, L.S. (2000). Enhanced phosphatase activity in earthworm casts is more of microbial origin. Current Science 79(9): 1158-1159.

Walkley, A. and Black, I.A. (1934). An examination of Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration. Soil Science 37(1): 29-38.