Studies on Growth and Yield Response of Jatropha curcas Plant on Fly Ash Amended Soil

Fly Ash (FA) is usually considered unfavorable to plant growth and its disposal has become a serious environmental issue. However, some studies on revegetation on fly ash dumps showed some agricultural potential of the fly ash. The present study attempts to judiciously utilize the waste fly ash as a soil amendment and assess the feasibility of growth of energy plants viz. Jatropha on fly ash amended soil in varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%). The study primarily focuses on growth and yield to judge the suitable content of fly ash favoring plant growth. Plastochron Index (PI) and plant morphological characteristics are used to assess the growth whereas, the yield is assesses based on biomass and other parameters estimated after completion of the experimental duration. The growth and yield assessment indicated better sustenance of Jatropha plant on soil amended with 10% fly ash