A Study on the Proper Mixing amount Derivation of Soil Ameliorants Utilizing the Industrial by-products Characteristics, and Crop Growth

Abstract

Objectives This study was conducted to derive an proper mixing amount for the utilize of soil ameliorants manufactured using some industrial by-products, and to examine the effectiveness of soil ameliorants and their applicability in the agricultural field. Methods The soil ameliorants were prepared using red mud, petroleum refining desulfurized gypsum, and regenerated sulfuric acid. In consideration of the soil environment, after mixing with field soil and then crop growth was carried out. After that, the growth rate was calculated through the survey of growth indicators (number of leaves, leaves lengths, and leaves widths) before and after the growth experiment, and compared by experimental districts. Results and Discussion Soil ameliorants mixing amounts for crop growth were selected as 0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0%, respectively. When amount of 1.0% of the soil ameliorants was performed the growth rates of the growth index were higher than amount of 0% (control) mixed with the soil ameliorants. This is attributed to the improvement effectiveness of elements necessary for crop growth in the soil environment through the mixing of soil ameliorants. Conclusion The soil environment (pH) containing 1.0% soil ameliorant is considered to have a positive effect on the effectiveness of factors necessary for crop growth as it falls within the appropriate range of growth. Therefore, after mixing the red mud and desulfurized gypsum in a weight ratio of 100:50, the soil ameliorant neutralized with regenerated sulfuric acid is considered proper for lettuce growth when 1.0% is mixed with soil.

Keywords

• red mud
• desulfurized gypsum
• regenerated sulfuric acid
• soil ameliorant
• growth rates