Effect of fly ash application on the growth, nodulation and mycorrhization in cowpea (Vigna Sinensis (L.) var. kanchan)

The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the potentiality of AM fungi native to fly ash dumped site, Rhizobium sp. and P solubilizer (Aspergillus niger) to nullify the adverse effects of fly ash on the growth and yield of Cowpea (Vigna sinensis (L.) var. Kanchan). An experiment was set up in pots in green house condition to assess the performance of the crop raised in Agriculture soil of Allahabad amended with organic matter (Cynodon 2% w/w) and different concentrations of fly ash (10%, 20%, 30%) and inoculated with all the three bioinoculants. Data show that the high concentrations of fly ash (20% & 30%) without organic matter and microbial inoculants caused a heavy rate of mortality, reduced the root and shoot biomass, nodulation and yield. However, the soil amendment with organic matter and microbial inoculants caused a tremendous improvement in root/shoot biomass, nodulation and yield apart from curtailing the rate of mortality of the plants. Out of three concentrations of fly ash, 10% fly ash gave the best results with organic amendment and microbial inoculations.