1Department of Civil Engineering, G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
3Department of Soil Science, A.N.G.R. Agricultural University College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
An experimental study was carried out to improve the physical status of alkaline soils by the application of pressmud obtained from sugarcane industry for agriculture purpose. Alkaline soils are found to be high pH, nutrient deficiency, and poor physical structure like porosity, water holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity etc, which are quit essential for agricultural soils. In the present research, studies have been conducted for identification of alkaline soils and also for characterization of pressmud to assess its potential for amelioration of physical status of alkaline soils for agricultural purpose. Hence, the amelioration studies were conducted by treating the alkaline soils with 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 ton/ha of pressmud. Study was clearly demonstrated that improvements in physical characteristics of alkaline soils are amenable by adding pressmud. The treatment resulted in amelioration of physical environment of the alkaline soil it can be suitable for agricultural purpose. Quantities of Pressmud required for improvement in physical status of alkaline soil were also established in the present study.
Alkaline soil, Pressmud, pH, EC, water holding capacity, porosity
