Finding a green solution to the chronic problem of fly ash, Punjab is all set to use the same in forestry nursery and plantation, as it helps in maintaining micro-nutrient content of soil to maintain crop productivity.
“Fly ash is considered as useful ameliorant, which improve physical, biological and chemical properties of soils and enhance macro and micro nutrients,” said the State Forest Minister Chunni lal Bhagat.He said that the State Government has assigned Rs33 lakh project, “Use of fly ash in Forestry Nursery and Plantation in the State of Punjab,” to Thapar University in Patiala. The project would be completed within three years.
Fly ash is a by-product, which comes from burning coal for generating power. Punjab has five thermal power plants which generate huge quantity of fly ash that requires large tracts of land for disposal.“So, it can be utilised as a source for nutrients in forestry nurseries and plantations,” Bhagat said.The Minister said, from several field trials conducted during the past two decades in different parts of the country, it is evident that fly ash application in nursery soil and in field plantation leads to improvement in nutrient status of soil along with water holding capacity and plant growth.
“Coal fly ash up to 12-18 per cent can be safely added to soil without any deleterious effect on the environment. Agencies, such as Forest Department Punjab and all other state forestry departments, private nurseries etc can utilise the results of the project,” he added.