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Increasing bioavailability of phosphorus from fly ash through vermicomposting
S S Bhattacharya1, G N Chattopadhyay
1Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan 731236, West Bengal, India.
Journal of Environmental Quality
|December 10, 2002
Summary
Vermicomposting fly ash with cow dung significantly boosts phosphorus bioavailability. Earthworm activity increases phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, enhancing nutrient availability in low-fertility soils.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Large-scale fly ash generation poses environmental challenges.
- Fly ash utilization as a soil amendment requires nutrient enhancement for effectiveness.
- Improving phosphorus (P) bioavailability in fly ash is crucial for soil fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vermicomposting's potential to increase phosphorus bioavailability in fly ash.
- To evaluate the impact of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) activity on P transformation in fly ash-organic matter mixtures.
Main Methods:
- Fly ash was mixed with cow dung in ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1.
- Mixtures were incubated for 50 days with and without Eisenia fetida.
- Concentrations of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and P bioavailability were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Earthworm treatment significantly increased PSB concentrations compared to controls.
- Vermicomposting transformed insoluble P into more soluble forms, enhancing nutrient bioavailability.
- The 1:1 fly ash to cow dung ratio showed significantly higher P availability after vermicomposting.
Conclusions:
- Vermicomposting is an effective method for improving phosphorus bioavailability in fly ash.
- Eisenia fetida plays a key role in enhancing P solubilization through increased PSB activity.
- Optimized fly ash-cow dung mixtures can be utilized as effective soil amendments for low-fertility soils.