Soil physical and chemical properties as influenced by flyash addition in soil and yield of wheat

Field experiments were conducted in villages around National Capital Power Project (NCPP), Dadri, Uttar Pradesh and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Farm, New Delhi during 1995-96 to evaluate flyash addition effects on soil environment and yield of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.). Flyash application levels were up to 50t/ha. Yield of wheat increased up to 20t/ha ash addition, and declined thereafter but still higher than the yield under no flyash addition treatment. Flyash treated plots had marginally higher uptake of trace elements. Flyash application in soil showed reduced hydraulic conductivity and improved moisture retention at field capacity and permanent wilting point. The pH value of soil decreased, whereas electrical conductivity, organic carbon and sodium increased in accordance with flyash addition in soil. Phosphorous, potassium and calcium decreased in flyash treated plots. The changes in soil properties might be due to modifications in the macro- and micro pore size distribution which contributed to increased yield of wheat.