Saturday, 15 July 2006
129-2

Impact of Limestone Mining Activity on Soil Properties.

Ajaz Khan, Prabhu Prasadini, and Ramesh Thatikunta. Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Dept of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, PIN 500030, India

Polluting soil has become a routine activity of human life in present day situation, whether it is through industrialization or through any other similar activity. One of these activities is mining to unearth required raw materials. While doing so, the dust emanated travels to distance and settles on the surface of soil affecting the soil chemistry thereby root environment and plant chemistry. A study was conducted in limestone area where in it contained 39-48% CaO and 0.5-1.9% MgO, on the impact of its dust on soil properties in the vicinity of its mining and crushing activity. Soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical and chemical properties. It was found that there was significant increase in soil pH and slight non-significant increase in electrical conductivity in the soils close to the mining activity. Its effect was prominent on calcium and magnesium content of soils in the vicinity of the activity compared to similar soils away (beyond one kilometer) from the activity zone. The average percent increase recorded in the region was 58.2 and 78.8 in exchangeable calcium and magnesium content of soils, respectively. The precautionary measures to protect the soil quality were suggested.


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