Abstract

The effects of cement kiln pollution on sorghum bicolor has been studied. Simulated pollution by dusting on experimental plants in different quantities was compared with non-dusted control plants. The dusted plants showed a reduction in leaf area index, plant height, stem girth, grain yield and dry matter production. These parameters of the lowest dose of dust (2.5 gm) were almost comparable with that of the control plots. Further increase in the dosage showed an adverse effect on crop growth and yield. The amount of total chlorophyll, chlorophyll 'a' and 'b' and soluble protein was found to dcrease on dusting. However, dose of 2.5 g m² was comparable with control plot in all the cases. The dusted plants showed a decrease in N and P content and an increase in K. Ca and Na. In the soil, available N and P contents reduced, while available K content increased in the dusted plots when compared to that of the control plots. The dose of 2.5 g m did not show any significani change in the contents. Therefore, it was concluded that upto 2.5 g m dose of cement kiln dust, there is no significant effect on the crop, beyond which there is an adverse effect on crop growth and yield.

Keywords: Pollution, cement kiln dust, sorghum, soil