Growth response and element accumulation in Beta vulgaris L. raised in fly-ash-amended soils

: Fly-ash disposal is a major problem in and around coal-fired power plants. Although the fly-ash contains several essential minerals, its application in agricultural practices is uncommon in India as elsewhere. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the possibility of fly-ash application to agricultural soils to improve crop yields. Three different amounts of fly-ash (2, 4 and 8% w/w) were mixed with soil in 1 m(2) plots and seeds of Beta vulgaris were sown in these soil-amended plots. Plants and soils were sampled at 20, 40, 60 and finally at 80 days (each had five replicates) and analysed with respect to plant growth and yield and the concentration of the elements both in under- and above-ground parts. The data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test.The results revealed that fly-ash application, particularly in higher amounts (4 and 8% w/w) increased the pH and conductivity of the soils to undesirable levels, however, the appliction of low amounts favoured plant growth and improved yields. Although the elements, viz. Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb accumulated in larger quantities in plants grown in fly-ash-amended soils than the control, their levels remained well below the threshold limit and, thus, are suitable for human consumption at the lowest fly-ash application rate. The increase in the sugar content at the low flyash application rate in beet root, the second most important crop for sugar extraction, enhances the possible use/application of fly-ash in tested amounts, in improving crop yields.