Growth of Certain Tree Species in Fly Ash Amended Soil

Abstract

The study reports on the use of fly ash on the growth of five tree species namely Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), Chakundi (Cassia siamea) Black sins (Albizia lebbek), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) and Gamhar (Gmelina arborea). Out off ivespecies, theformerfourare nitrogenfixers belonging to thefarnilyLeguminsae and the last one viz. Gamhar is an excellent fast growing timber tree species belonging to thefamily Verbenaceae. The experiment was conducted in cement pots for one year (August 1993 to August 1994) in completely randomised design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications to record the growth parameters viz. collar diameter, height, number of leaves and leaf area at 30 days interval. The five treatments were : T (No fly ash, only 20 kg soil), Tl (Soil + 5% Fly ash), T2 (Soil + 10%fy ash), T3 (Soil + 20% f 1y ash) and T, (Soil + 50% fly ash). Results reveal that collar diameter, height, number of leaves and leaf area of all the five tree species increased progressively up to 20% Fly ash addition to acid soils of Chotanagpur region. It was also observed that 50%f ly ash addition on soil was superior to control (no fly ash, only soil) in respect of all growth parameters except number of leaves and leaf area ofBlack sins, Subabul and Gamhar, and collar diameter of Chakundi and Gamhar. In general, fly ash addition to soil had a beneficial impact on the growth of the above mentioned tree species. These tree species are recommended for afforestation and reforestation of waste lands at 20% fly ash (w/w) levels.