Impact of Different Organic Amendments on the Physicochemical Properties of Contaminated Soil under Bundelkhand Region

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of different organic amendments on the physicochemical properties of contaminated soil of Bundelkhand region of Bachaoli Bujurg.  Contaminated soils often exhibit acidic pH, nutrient deficiencies, and reduced microbial activity, which limit soil functionality and plant growth. Application of organic amendments—FYM, kitchen waste compost, and vermicompost—ameliorates soil acidity through cation release and organic acid buffering, enhancing nutrient availability, stimulating microbial activity, and immobilizing toxic metals, thereby improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable plant growth. Treatments included farmyard manure (FYM), kitchen waste compost (KWC), vermicompost (VC), and their combinations, applied at two levels (5 t ha⁻¹ and 10 t ha⁻¹). Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic carbon (OC) were measured before and after amendment application. Results demonstrated that organic amendments improved soil quality, with notable changes in pH, EC, and OC, suggesting their potential for soil remediation. Baseline analyses indicated that contaminated soils were strongly acidic (pH < 5.0), low in organic carbon (0.51–0.76%), and exhibited variable electrical conductivity (EC, 0.39–0.69 dS/m). The highest Organic carbon (OC%) increment was observed in T11 (FYM + Kitchen Waste Compost + Vermicompost, 1.19%), while treatments T9 (Contaminated soil + FYM 5 t + Vermicompost 5 t ha⁻¹) and T10 (Contaminated soil + Kitchen Waste Compost 5 t + Vermicompost 5 t ha⁻¹) also demonstrated marked improvements in pH and OC. In contrast, the unamended contaminated control showed further acidification, decreased organic carbon, and suboptimal Electrical conductivity.