Effect of Coal Fly Ash on Seedling Growth, Productivity, Biochemical and Heavy Metals Uptake of Zea mays L. and Soil Characteristics in Semi-arid and Climatic Conditions of Quetta Valley

Abstract

In this study, the chemical composition of Fly Ash (FA) released from coal based thermal power plants, was characterized its macro and micronutrients to improve the chemical and physical properties of soil. With this concept, a field experiment was conducted to find out the efficiency of Fly Ash (FA) for the growth of Zea mays L. Six various fly ash treatments (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% w/w) were mixed with soil in pots and Z. mays seeds were sown. Different growth parameters and photosynthetic activity of plant were examined. Fly Ash (FA) treated with soil caused significant improvement in soil quality and germination percentage of Z. mays seeds. The plant growth, chlorophyll, and yield content enhanced with 0% to 40% fly ash (FA), being optimal at 60%. From 80% onwards, the examined parameters tended to reduce. Hence, fly ash (FA) can be utilized as a substrate or as a soil improving material for the growth of plants, leading to the sustainable utilization of solid waste material.