Can Application of Pressmud Mediated Plant Nutrient Dynamics Under Lead Contaminated Soils of Indian Vertisol?

Long- term application of marginal quality water accumulated significant amount of pollutant into the soil. It reduces soil health parameters, and crop yield and their quality. In this regards, graded application of pressmud (PM), i.e. 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg was applied on lead (Pb) contamination level (0, 100, 150, 300 mg/kg) and evaluated interaction effect on plant nutrients uptake by spinach. Analytical data showed that increasing the PM levels enhanced the macro (phosphorus, potassium, sulphur) and micro-nutrient (zinc, copper, manganese, iron) concentration into the soil. Whereas, increasing the level of Pb significantly (p <= 0.05) reduced the P, K and S nutrient concentration and uptake pattern by spinach crop. Increasing PM levels (control to 10 g/kg soil) improved P, K and S by 46.99, 98.96 and 76.79%, respectively in soil. This study is useful to formulate management strategies for minimizing Pb contamination in the food chain by the application of PM mostly in peri-urban areas.

Automated summary

Long-term application of marginal quality water leads to accumulation of pollutants in the soil, causing a decrease in soil health, crop yield, and quality. This study found that graded application of pressmud (PM) increased the concentration of macronutrients (phosphorus, potassium, sulphur) and micronutrients (zinc, copper, manganese, iron) in the soil. However, increasing levels of lead (Pb) significantly reduced the uptake of phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur by spinach. Increasing PM levels improved the concentration of phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur in the soil.