L. Rajashekhar, G.P. Getha and R.K. Jhanvi
Abstract
Fly ash was mixed with FYM, Vermicompst and soil in different ratios on a w/w was used for growing nursery seedlings of Simarouba gluca with object of response of pot mixture on biomass production and bioconcentration N,P,K,S and Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn in stems and leaves. Fly ash based organic substrate application of FA+FYM/VC in 1:3 ratio (w/w) followed by 1:2 ratio. Was found to be optimum for preparing potting mix for Simarouba gluca Biomass accumulation in the stems and roots increased with increase in the ratio of fly ash to FYM/VC application. Up to 1:3 ratio. Whereas the biomass accumulation in leaves as well as total biomass accumulation in the Simarouba saplings. Concentration of N,P,K,S and micronutrients Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and in stem and leaves of Simarouba gluca displayed higher values in all the pot mixture treatment combinations. However, Variations in the concentration of nutrient elements in the plants and uptake by the leaves and stem of nursery seedling of Simarouba gluca was observed for major N.P.K nutrients which varied as N=K>P, secondary nutrients varied as Ca>S>Mg and micro nutrients varied as Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu. The study indicates that the Simarouba gluca had high potential for nutrient uptake due to high biomass production during seedling growth besides fast growth. Fly ash based organic substrates pot mixtures when added to the soil in different ratios benefits biomass production and increase in plant growth which in turn attains significance from the point of view of eco-friendly disposal of fly ash.