FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil quality and crop
productivity for light texture acidic soil .
The present invention further relates to an improved fertilizer and a zero waste and environmental
friendly process for utilisation of waste generated from beneficiation of iron ore slime, for
augmenting soil quality and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
Iron ore slime is an ultrafine material (<100 micron), produced during washing and processing of iron
ore, disposed and stored in tailing pond. These slimes contain high concentration ofiron values but
can not be used in blast furnace due to presence of alumina as major impurities. Alumina in iron ore
decreases hot metal productivity in Blast Furnace and adversely affects cost of steel
production.Therefore, alumina level in the iron ore slime is reduced through a beneficiation process
which recovers iron ore concentrate containing 2.2% alumina from feed alumina level of 5.0-7.0%
and more. The concentrate yield is around 50-60%. Reject generated from slime beneficiation
process consists of below 40% iron and can be treated as waste. Furthermore, liberation
characteristics of iron minerals and associated gangue minerals are complex, hence recovering iron
values from this reject through beneficiation is not feasible.
Therefore, reject from iron ore slime beneficiation is considered as waste and effective utilization of
this waste is required for making iron ore beneficiation a zero waste technology.
Soil is the top layer of earth crust on which plant grows. It is primarily composed of weathered
mineral matter, organic matter and pores filled with water and air. Soil must contain few primary
nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), lack of which inhibits plant
growth. The pH is one of the primary characteristic of soil which controls plant growth. Optimum soil
pH for plant production is slightly acidic, at this pH soil microorganisms are most active and plant
nutrients are readily available. At extremes of high (alkaline) and low (acid) pH this delicate balance
is disturbed and plant nutrients that were in adequate supply can become either deficient or toxic to
plant growth. Some essential nutrients such as phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum
become unavailable if the soil pH becomes acidic in nature. Acid conditionresults in a lowering of
plant production in farming systems. This will result in reduced profitability and an increased
reliance on fertilisers to sustain any form of productive agriculture. Correcting soil pH to a more
favourable pH range will increase the availability of essential nutrients. Application of lime is the
most common practice to ameliorate soil acidity.
Another importantcharacterstic of soil is its texture. The most important way in which soil texture
affects plant growth is water and with it the nutrient supply. Soil can be classified as heavy texture
soil (Clay) and light texture soil (Sandy) based on their particle size distribution. Light texture soil
does not hold water required for plant for longer duration. Moreover, Plants don’t have a chance of
using the nutrients in sandy soil more efficiently as they’re swiftly carried away by
runoff.Consumption of excess water and additional fertilizer on such soils increase the cost of

production for crops like paddy and wheat. Therefore, a balance of all types of material is required
to maintain the optimum moisture level and nutrient supply for plants.
Hence, development of soil amenedment process for light texture acidic soil is need of the hour to
improve productivity of crops.
Prior art survey shows that mineral rich soil is used for (i) treatment of industrial waste, (ii) water
treatment with respect to removal of total suspended solids, (iii) soil for slow release of nutrients
and, (iv) soil as additional source of specific nutrients. US patent 4353749 and 4331538 are on
treatment of acid industrial waste generated from calcium sulphate and phosphates deposit. Soil
which is a mixture of fly ash, iron and aluminium oxide rich particles is used for this type of industrial
water treatment. Ground water can be purified using iron particles (US patent 0163172) or microbial
assisted iron particles (US patent 5543049). Acidic waste water can be treated with rock wool and
other inorganic binder and it helps to reduce iron and sulphate ions form water (US patent
7048860). Mineral slime along with fly ash and other waste helps in improving water quality
byreducing total suspended solids (US patent 3932275 and US patent 3509047). Mine tailings are
often used as source of soil nutrients. Mine tailings from sulphide mines is useful source of Sulpher.
These types of tailings are treated at high temperature along with sulphuric acid and ammonia prior
to its use as soil conditioner. Gypsum, silica sand and coal dust from mine tailings are used as
additives in the soil which helps in slow release of nutrients to crop and thus helps in sustained crop
growth and also helps in maintaining soil fertility for longer duration (US patent 7731775).
CN102321484A describes about an organic environmentally-friendly soil conditioner for improving
acidified or acid soil and a preparation method for the same. CN200810141039 X Chinese patent
document discloses an organic fertilizer containing soil conditioning agents their
preparation.US5346527A describes a method for treating agricultural soil with sewage sludge ash in
admixture with water treatment lime so as to enhance the nutrient value and raise the pH of the soil
for improved plant growth.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to propose an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil
quality and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil .
It is a further object of this invention to propose an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil quality
and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil, which is cost-effective and environment friendly .
It is another object of this invention to propose an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil quality
and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil by effective utilisation of wastes generatedfrom
iron ore slime beneficiation.
It is yet another object of this invention to propose an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil
quality and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil which generates no waste.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the
art on reading the ensuing description .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, light texture acidic soil is treated through iron ore slime waste in
combination with organic matter. Full factorial design of experimentwas chosen and experiments
were carried out to optimize the process condition by varying the dosage of iron ore slime waste and
organic matter. Rice and wheat crops were testedto analyse the properties of soil and plants at
different stage of crop growth.The dosage of NPK was kept constant in all experiments. Soil
properties such as pH, organic carbon, water holding capacity,available N, available P, available K,
exchangable Ca, exchangable Mg, micronutrient Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu concentrations and heavy metal Cd
and Pb concentration were analysed for all the experiments.Plant growth parameters such as height
and number of tillers and yield attributing parameters such as number of spikes, spike length, grain
yield and dry plant yield were recorded. Finally, produce (grain and straw) were analysed for its
harmful elements such as Pb and Cd. Tests results indicate that interaction of iron ore slime
waste(30 t ha-1) with organic matter in presence of NPKis suitable for improving soil quality
andproducity of crops such as rice and wheat growing on light texture acidic soil within toxic limit of
heavy elements in the produce.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Thus according to this invention is provided an improved fertilizer for augmenting soil quality and
crop productivity for light texture acidic soil .
In accordance with the present invention is provided an improved fertilizer and a zero waste and
environmental friendly process for utilisation of waste generated from beneficiation of iron ore
slime, for augmenting soil quality and crop productivity for light texture acidic soil .
A process for beneficiation of 7 to 10% alumina iron ore slime with particle size below 45 microns is
known. This process generates concentrate of 2.2% alumina which is a feed for pellet plant. Waste
generated from this process contains less than 10 micron particle size with iron values less than 40%
and alumina content 15% and Sillica. Further recovery of iron values from this waste is not possible
due to its extreme complex liberation characteristics. Total five patents have been filed to protect
this process. On an average 50% of iron ore slime goes as waste at the end of slime beneficiation.
Accordingly, the present invention proves the way for amendment of light textured acidic soils
through application of waste material generated from beneficiation of iron ore slime.
Table 1 shows the results of characterization of iron ore slime waste.



The results of analysis of iron slime waste delineated as:pH-, 7.00; water holding capacity (%)-42.37;
cation exchange capacity [Cmol (p+).kg-1]-4.38; Organic Carbon (%) -0.04; Available Nitrogen (mg kg-
1)-37.33; Total Nitrogen (%)-0.028; Availble Phosphorus (mg kg-1) -74.45; Available Potassium (mg kg-
1)-51.33; DTPA Extractable Fe (mg kg-1)-53.26; DTPA ExtractableMn(mg kg-1)-43.15; DTPA
ExtractableZn(mg kg-1)-19.12; DTPA ExtractableCu(mg kg-1)-0.92; DTPA ExtractableCd(mg kg-1)-
0.012; DTPA ExtractableNi(mg kg-1)-0.230.
Neutral pHvalue (7.00) and excellent water holding capacity (42.37%) opened us an excellent
opportunity of using waste of iron ore slime as soil amending agent for light texture acidic soil.
Therefore, light texture acidic soil was treated with slime waste in combination with organic manure
to assess their combined effect on soil quality and plant growth after 30, 60, 90 days of crop
growth.Five levels of slime waste viz. 0, 10.0 tha-1, 20.0 tha-1, 30 tha-1 and 40.0 tha-1 and 3 levels of
organic manure (FYM) viz. 0, 5.0 tha-1, 7.5 tha-1 were considered for the experiments. Thus, Total 15
nos of treatments were laid out in a full factorial completely randomised design (CRD).The dosage of
fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O @200:100:100 Kg ha-1wereapplied in each treatment. Nitrogen fertilizer is
selected from Urea, ammonium sulphate and calcium ammonium nitrate
Phosphorus fertilizer is selected from Triple super phosphate, single super phosphate
K fertilizer is selected from Potash, Muriate of potash, sulphate of potash and potassium magnesium
sulphate. The organic manure used in the invention is farm yard manure.
Rice and wheat crop were grown in pots under green house conditions with the following applied
treatments (Table 2).

Experimental Analysis
Table 2. Treatments employed in the experimentation

The characterstic of soil collected from Noamundi is presented in Table 3. The collected soil was light
textured and acidic (pH-5.59) having water holding capacity (39.02%). Lower values of the other soil
properties viz., organic carbon, available N, P, K exchangable Ca, Mg had lower values indicated poor
fertility status of the experimental soil.
Table 3.Characterstic of soil used in the study

Effect of 15 treatments on soil pH were analysed at 30 days, 60 days and harvest of rice crop growth.
Temporal changes in soil pH under different treatments are presented in Table 4a.Application of
organic manures, iron slime waste and their interaction resulted in increase in soil pH from its initial
value (5.59) at tillering as well as at harvesting stage. During harvesting of rice while application of 5
and 7.5 ton of FYM.ha-1increased the soil pH in the range of 7-7.1Application of 30 ton (IS_30) of iron
slime per ha resulted in the highest pH value (7.45).


Effect of different treatments on electrical conductivity (dSm-1) of soil is shown in Table 4b. Results
showed that highest electrical conductivity (0.998 dSm-1) pooled over three stages was observed
under application of 40 tons of slime waste and 5 tons of FYM per ha (OM_5_IS_40) while the lowest
electrical conductivity (0.764 dSm-1)was observed under OM_0_IS_0. This shows that by increasing
the dosage of slime waste, electrical conductivity (dSm-1) of soil improves.


Effect of different treatments on various physical paramentersof soil is shown in Table 5. Result
showed that highest water holding capacity (42.50%) was observed under application of 40 tons of
slime waste and 7.5 tons of FYM per ha (OM_7.5_IS_40). Lowest water holding capacity (39.02%)
was observed under control (OM_0_IS_0). This shows that by increasing the dosage of slime waste,
water holding capacity of soil improves.

Effect of different treatments on soil organic carbon content is shown in Table 6. Results showed
thatthe value of organic carbon content pooled over three stages was highest (0.951%) under
application of 5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime per ha (OM_5_IS_40). This shows the
applicability of iron ore slime waste as soil amending agent.



Effect of treatments on soil available N content is presented in Table 7. Results showed that the
value of available nitrogen pooled over three stages was highest (257.5 kg/ha) under application of
5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime per ha (OM_5_IS_30). This showed that iron slime waste in
combination with organic manure could be a good soil amendment for augmenting available N
content of soil.

Effect of treatments on soil available P content is presented in Table 8. Results showed that the
value of available phosphorus pooled over three stages was highest (15.65 mg/kg) under application
of 5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime per ha (OM_5_IS_30).



Effect of treatments on soil available K content is presented in Table 9. Results showed thatduring
vegetative growth stage, highest value of available potassium (75 mg/kg) was observedunder
application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime waste per ha (OM_7.5_IS_30).During
harvesting of rice, the highest available potassium content of the soil (65.00 mg/kg) was observed
under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime per ha (OM_7.5_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on soil available S content is presented in Table 10. Results showed that highest
value of available sulphur (16.50 mg/kg) under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 tons ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_40) during havesting stage of rice crop.



Effect of treatments on soil exchangable Ca content is shown in Table 11. Results showed that during
vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest exchangeable calcium content of the soil [5.20 cmol (p+)
kg-1] was observed with the application of 30 ton iron slime with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30).
During harvesting of rice, the highest exchangeable calcium content of the soil [5.30 cmol (p+) kg-1]
was also observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on soil exchangable Mgcontentis shown in Table 12. Results showed thatduring
vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest exchangeable magnesium content of the soil [4.60cmol
(p+) kg-1] was observed with the application of 40 ton iron slime with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of rice, the highest exchangeable magnesium content of the soil

[4.80cmol (p+) kg-1] was also observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime with 7.5 ton of FYM
ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_40).

Effect of treatments on soil available Fe(DTPA extractable)contentis shown in Table 13.Results
showed that during vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest available Fe content of the soil (125
mg/kg) was observed with the application of 40 ton iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of rice, the highest available Fecontentof the soil (62 mg/kg)
was also observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_40).



Effect of treatments on soil available Mn(DTPA extractable)contentis shown in Table 14. Results
showed that during vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest available Mn content of the soil (104
mg/kg) was observed with the application of 40 ton iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1
(OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of rice, the highest available Mncontent of the soil (95.10 mg/kg)
was also observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_40).

Effect of treatments on soil available zinc(DTPA extractable)content is shown in Table 15. Results
showed that during vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest available Zn content of the soil (3.56
mg/kg) was observed with the application of 30 ton iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_5_IS_30). During harvesting of rice, the highest available Zncontent of the soil (1.75 mg/kg)
was also observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_5_IS_30).



Effect of treatments on soil available copper (DTPA extractable) content is shown in Table 16. Results
showed that during vegetative growth stage of rice, the highest available Cu content of the soil (5.75
mg/kg) was observed with the application of 30 ton iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1
(OM_7.5_IS_30). During harvesting of rice, the highest available Cucontent of the soil (3.02 mg/kg)
was also observed under application of 10 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_5_IS_10).

Effect of treatments on extractable cadmium content of soil is shown in Table 17a. Results showed
that during vegetative (60 DAT) growth stage of rice, the highest extractable cadmium content of the
soil (0.040 mg.kg-1) was observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime wastewithout FYM ha-
1(OM_0_IS_40) while its lowest value (0.022 mg.kg-1) was observed under the treatment
combination comprising of 10 ton of iron slime wastewith 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_10).
During harvesting of rice, the highest extractable cadmium content of the soil (0.038 mg.kg-1) was
observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime waste without any application of FYM ha-

1(OM_0_IS_30) while its lowest value(0.016 mg.kg-1) was observed with the application of 20 ton of
iron slime waste along with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_20).Therfore, interaction of iron ore slime
waste and organic manure is essential to maintain the regulatory limit of Cd in soil.

Effect of treatments on soil extractable nickel content is shown in Table 17b. Results showed that
during vegetative (60 DAT) growth stage of rice, the highest extractablenickel content of the soil
(0.583 mg.kg-1) was observed under control(OM_0_IS_0) while its lowest value (0.382 mg.kg-1) was
observed under the treatment combination comprising of 30 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton of
FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_30). During harvesting of rice, the highest extractablenickel content of the soil
(0.476 mg.kg-1) was observed under application of 20 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1 (OM_7.5_IS_20) while its lowest value(0.310 mg.kg-1) was observed with the application of 30 ton
of iron slime waste along with 5 ton of FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_30).Therfore, interaction of iron ore
slime waste and organic manure is essential to maintain the Nicontent of soil under regulatory limit.



Effect of treatments on rice plant height is shown in Table 18.Results showed during vegetative
growth stage (60 DAT) of rice, the tallest heightof plant (114.50 cm) was observed with the
application of 30 ton iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM (OM_5_IS_30). During harvesting of rice,
the tallest height of plant (120.50 cm) was also observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime
waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on number of tillers of rice plant is shown in Table 19.Result showed that the
highest number of tillers wereassociated with the treatment combination comprising 30 ton iron
slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30) at 30, 60 and 90 DAT and at harvest of rice. The
lowest number of tillers during all the three dates of measurement was associated with control
(OM_0_IS_0).



Effect of treatments on number of panicle and panicle length of rice plant is shown in Table 20.
Results showed that highest number of panicles(12.80 hill-1) was observed under treatment
combination comprising 30 ton iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30) while the
highest length of panicle (27.00 cm)was associated with treatment comprising 40 ton iron slime
waste without any application of FYM ha-1(OM_0_IS_40).

Effect of treatments on productivity of rice seed (grain) and straw (dry matter) is shown in Table 21a.
Application of iron slime waste in general increased the grain yield of rice and the highest
(48.91g pot-1) was observed with application of 40 ton iron slime waste ha-1(IS_40).Interaction of
FYM and iron slime waste significantly influenced the grain yield of rice and thehighest grain yield
(50.51gpot-1) was observed under treatment comprising 40 ton of iron slime waste along with 5 ton

of FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_40)and the lowest (42.40 g pot-1) was observed under control condition
(OM_0_IS_0) that received neither FYM nor iron slime waste.
Application of iron slime waste in general increased straw yield of rice and the highest (28.43
g pot-1) was observed with application of 40 ton iron slime waste ha-1(IS_40).Interaction of FYM and
iron slime waste significantly influenced the straw yield of rice and thehighest straw yield(34.47 g
pot-1) was observed under the treatment comprising 30 ton of iron slime waste along with 5 ton of
FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_30)and the lowest (25.92 g pot-1) under controlcondition that received neither
FYM nor iron slime waste (OM_0_IS_0).

Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe, total Mn,
total Cu, total Zn of rice seed has been shown in Table 22. Results showed that highest value of total
N (1.192%) was observed under the application of 40 ton iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1
(OM_7.5 _IS_40). Highest values of total P (0.20%), total K (0.40%), total S (0.068%) were observed
under the application of 40 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton per ha of FYM (OM_5_IS_40). Highest
value of crude silica (2.80%) was observed under treatment comprising 30 ton of iron slime waste
with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30). Application of 40 ton per ha of iron slime waste and 7.5 ton
per ha of FYM improved total Ca (0.020%) and total Mg (0.100%) up to highest values. The values of
micro-nutrients viz. Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in rice seed were highest in the treaments using iron slime
waste. Values of heavy metals viz. Cr, Cd and Ni in rice seed for all treatments was under the
acceptable limit (BDL). The analysis shows thatrice seed produced from treatments consisting slime
waste,can be used for edible purpose.
Table 22.Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe,
total Mn, total Cu, total Zn of rice seed


Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe, total Mn,
total Cu, total Zn of rice straw has been shown in Table 23. Results showed that highest value of
total N (0.505%) was observed under the application of 30 ton of slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5 _IS_30). Highest values of total P (0.106%), total S (0.060%), crude Si (8.60%), total Ca
(0.45%) and total Mg (0.21%) were observed under the application of 40 ton/ha slime waste with 5
tons per ha of FYM (OM_5_IS_40). Highest values of total K (3.00%), total Mg (0.291%) were
associated with 40 ton of slime waste along with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1while the highest value for total
Ca (0.439%) was observed under the treatment combination comprising 30 ton of slime waste with 5
ton of FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_30). The values of micro-nutrients viz. Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn in rice straw for all
the treatments were under control limit. Total micro-nutrients content of rice straw were highest in
the treaments using iron slime waste. Values of heavy metals viz. Cr, Cd and Ni in wheat straw for all
treatments was under the acceptable limit (BDL). The analysis shows that rice straw produced from
treatments consisting slime waste, can be used by animals for edible purpose.
Table 23. Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe,
total Mn, total Cu, total Zn of rice straw



Effect of 15 treatments on soil pH were analysed at 30 days, 60 days and harvest of wheat crop
growth. Changes in soil pH at different stages of wheat growth are recorded in Table 24. Application
of organic manures, iron slime waste and their interaction resulted in increase in soil pH from its
initial value (5.59) at tillering as well as at harvesting stage. During harvesting of wheat, maximum
Change in soil pH was observed under the application of 30 ton of slime waste and 5 tonFYM.ha-
1(OM_5_IS_30).

Effect of different treatments on electrical conductivity (dSm-1) of soil is shown in Table 24b. Results
showed that highest electrical conductivity (1.129 dSm-1) pooled over three stages was observed
under application of 40 tons of slime waste and 7.5 tons of FYM per ha (OM_7.5_IS_40) while the
lowest electrical conductivity (0.711 dSm-1)was observed under OM_0_IS_0. This shows that by
increasing the dosage of slime waste, electrical conductivity (dSm-1) of soil improves.



Effect of different treatments on organic carbon (%) content of soil growing wheat crop is shown in
Table 25. Results showed that during vegetative growth stage (60 DAS), highest value of organic
carbon (1.013%) was observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime waste
per ha (OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of wheat, the highest organic carboncontent of soil
(1.036%) was also observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime per ha
(OM_7.5_IS_40).This depicted beneficial effect of application of iron ore slime as an amendment for
improving the organic carbon content of the experimental soil.


Effect of treatments on available N content of soil growing wheat crop is presented in Table 26.
Results showed that during vegetative growth stage (60 DAS), highest value of available nitrogen
(243.94kg/ha) was observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime waste per
ha (OM_7.5_IS_30). During harvesting of wheat, the highest available nitrogen content of the soil
(194.83kg/ha) was observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime per ha
(OM_7.5_IS_40).This indicated suitability of iron ore slime waste in combination with organic
manure as a useful soil amendment.

Effect of treatments on available Pcontent of soil growing wheat crop is presented in Table 27.
Results showed that during vegetative growth stage (60 DAS), highest value of available phosphorus
(38.91 mg/kg) was observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime waste per
ha (OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of wheat, the highest available phosphorus content of the soil
(32.35 mg/kg) was also observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 40 ton of iron slime per ha
(OM_7.5_IS_40).



Effect of treatments on available K of soil growing wheat crop is presented in Table 28. Results
showed that during vegetative growth stage (60 DAS), highest value of available potassium (210
mg/kg) was under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 10 ton of iron slime waste per ha
(OM_7.5_IS_30). During harvesting of wheat, the highest available potassium content of the soil
(210 mg/kg) was observed under application of 5 ton of FYM and 20 ton of iron slime per ha
(OM_5_IS_20).

Effect of treatments on available Scontent of soil growing wheat crop is presented in Table 29.
Results showed that during harvesting stage, highest value of available sulphur (16.54 mg/kg) was
observed under application of 7.5 ton of FYM and 30 ton of iron slime waste ha-1 (OM_7.5_IS_30).



Effect of treatments onexchangable Cacontent of soil growing wheat crop is shown in Table 30.
Results showed that during vegetative growth stage of wheat at 60 days, the highest exchangeable
calcium content of the soil [8.5cmol (p+) kg-1] was observed with the application of 20 ton iron slime
with 7.5 ton of FYM (OM_7.5_IS_20). During harvesting of wheat, the highest exchangeable calcium
content of the soil [8.5cmol (p+) kg-1] was also observed under application of 10 ton of iron slime
with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_10).

Effect of treatments on exchangable Mg of soil growing wheat crop is shown in Table 31. Results
showed that during harvesting stage of wheat, the highest exchangeable magnesium content of the
soil [3.70cmol (p+) kg-1 was observed under (OM_5_IS_20) and (OM_7.5_IS_10).

Table 31.Effect of treatments on exchangeable Mg [cmol (p+) kg-1]content of soil growing wheat

Effect of treatments on available Fe(DTPA extractable) content of soil growing wheat crop is shown
in Table 32. Results showed that during vegetative growth stage of wheatat 60 days, the highest
available Fe content of the soil (32.92 mg/kg) was observed with the application of 30 ton iron slime
waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30). During harvesting of wheat, the highest available Fe
content of the soil (32.09 mg/kg) was also observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime waste
with 5 ton of FYM ha-1 (OM_5_IS_30).
Table 32.Effect of treatments on available Fe (mg/kg) of soil growing wheat


Effect of treatments on available Mn(DTPA extractable) contentof soil growing wheat crop is shown
in Table 33. Result showed that during vegetative growth stage of wheat at 60 days, the highest
available Mn content of the soil (39.48 mg/kg) was observed with the application of 40 ton iron
slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_40). During harvesting of wheat, the highest
available Mn of the soil (46.20 mg/kg) was also observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime
waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_40).
Table 33.Effect of treatments on available Mn (mg/kg) of soil growing wheat

Effect of treatments on available zinc (DTPA extractable)contentof soil growing wheat crop is shown
in Table 34. Results showed that during vegetative growth stage of wheat (60 DAS), the highest
available Zn content of the soil (5.12 mg/kg) was observed with the application of 30 ton iron slime
waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30). During harvesting of wheat, the highest available Zn
of the soil (4.12 mg/kg) was also observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5
ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30).
Table 34.Effect of treatments on available Zn (mg/kg) of soil growing wheat



Effect of treatments on available copper (DTPA extractable)contentof soil growing wheat crop is
shown in Table 35. Results showed that during vegetative growth stage of rice at 60 days, the
highest available Cu content of the soil (2.39 mg/kg) was observed with the application of 40 ton
iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_40). During harvesting of wheat, the highest
available Cu of the soil (2.40 mg/kg) was observed under application of 30 ton of iron slime waste
with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on extractable cadmium contentof soil growing wheat crop is shown in Table
36. Results showed that values of Cd in all treatments were observed below the harmful level.
however, during harvesting of wheat, lowest extractable cadmium content of the soil (0.008 mg.kg-1)
was observed under application of 20 ton of iron slime with 7.5 tons of FYM per ha(OM_7.5_IS_20)
while the highest extractable cadmium content of the soil (0.024 mg kg-1) was observed under the
application of 10 ton of iron slime waste with5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_10).



Effect of treatments on soil extractable nickel content is shown in Table 37. Results showed that
during vegetative (60 DAS) growth stage of wheat, the highest extractablenickel content of the soil
(0.624 mg.kg-1) was observed under treatment combination comprising of 20 ton of iron slime waste
with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_20) while its lowest value (0.258 mg.kg-1) was observed under
the treatment combination comprising of 10 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1
(OM_5_IS_10). During harvesting of rice, the highest extractablenickel content of the soil (0.460
mg.kg-1) was observed under application of 40 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1
(OM_7.5_IS_40) while its lowest value(0.288 mg.kg-1) was observed with the application of 20 ton of
iron slime waste along with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1 (OM_7.5_IS_20).Therfore, interaction of iron ore
slime waste and organic manure is essential to maintain the Ni content of soil under regulatory limit.


Effect of treatments on wheat plant height is shown in Table 38. Results showed that during
vegetative growth stage of wheat at 60 days, the tallest height of plant (80.17 cm) was observed
with the application of 30 ton iron slime waste without any FYM (OM_0_IS_30). During harvesting of
wheat, the tallest height of wheat plant (83.00 cm) was also observed under application of 30 ton of
iron slime waste without any FYM(OM_0_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on number of tillers of wheatplant is shown in Table 39. Results showed that
the highest number of tillers were observed under OM_5_IS_30 at 30 DAS, 60 DAS and at harvest of
wheat. The lowest number of tillers during all the three dates of measurement was observed under
control(OM_0_IS_0).



Effect of treatments on number of spikes and spike length of wheat plant height is shown in Table
40. Results showed that highest number of spikes (4.50 hill-1)was observed under treatment
combination comprising 30 ton of iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30). Highest
length of panicle (11.00 cm) was also associated withtreatment combination comprising 30 ton of
iron slime waste with 5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_5_IS_30).

Effect of treatments on productivity of wheat seed (grain) and straw (dry matter) is shown in Table
41.
Application of iron slime waste in general increased grain yield of wheat and the highest
(4.64 g pot-1) was observed with application of 40 ton iron slime waste ha-1(IS_40).Interaction of FYM
and iron slime waste significantly influenced the grain yieldand the highest grain yield (5.74 g pot-1)
was observed under treatment comprising application of 30 ton slime waste with 5 ton FYM ha-1
(OM_5_IS_30)while the lowest yield (2.13 g pot-1) was observed under control condition that
received neither FYM nor iron slime waste (OM_0_IS_0).
Application of iron slime waste also increased straw yield of wheat and the highest yield
(5.27g pot-1) was observed under application of 40 ton iron slime waste ha-1(IS_40).Interaction of
FYM and iron slime wasteshowed similar trend in straw yield and the highest straw yield (6.34 g pot-
1) was observed under treatment comprising application of 30 ton slime waste with 5 ton FYM ha-

1(OM_5_IS_30) and the lowest (3.43 gm) in control pots that received neither organic manure nor
iron slime application (OM_0_IS_0).

Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe, total Mn,
total Cu, total Zn of produced wheat seeds have been shown in Table 42. Results show that highest
value of total N (4.103%) was observed under the application of 30 ton ha-1of iron slime waste with
7.5 ton of FYM (OM_7.5 _IS_30). Highest value of total P (0.58%) andtotal K (0.45%), was observed
under the application of 30 ton/ha slime waste with 5 tons per ha of FYM (OM_5_IS_30). Highest
value of S (0.202%) and crude silica (0.60%) was observed under treatment combination comprising
30 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1(OM_7.5_IS_30). Highest values of total Ca
(0.022%) and total Mg (0.144%) was associated withtreatment combination comprising 40 ton of
iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-1 (OM_7.5_IS_40). The values of micro-nutrients viz. Fe, Mn,
Cu and Zn in wheat seed were highest in the treaments using iron slime waste. Values of heavy
metals viz. Cr, Cd and Ni in wheat seeds for all treatments was under the acceptable limit (BDL). The
analysis shows that wheat seeds produced from treatments consisting slime waste, can be used for
edible purpose.
Table 42.Effect of treatments ontotal N (%), total P (%), total K (%), total S (%),Crude Si (%), total Ca
(%), total Mg (%), total Fe (ppm), total Mn (ppm), total Cu (ppm), total Zn (ppm) of produced wheat
seeds



Effect of treatments on total N, total P, total K, total S, Crude Si, total Ca, total Mg, total Fe, total Mn,
total Cu, total Zn of wheat straw have been shown in Table 43. Results showed that highest value of
total N (0.904%) was observed under the application of 30 ton ha-1iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of
FYM (OM_7.5 _IS_30). Highest value of P (0.45%) and K (1.72%) was observed under the application
of 30 ton per ha iron slime waste with 5 ton per ha of FYM (OM_5_IS_30). Highest value of total S
(0.182%), crude silica (2.30%),total Ca (0.091%) and total Mg (0.117%) was associated under
treatment combination comprising 30 ton of iron slime waste with 7.5 ton of FYM ha-
1(OM_7.5_IS_30). The values of micro-nutrients viz. Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in wheat straw were highest
in the treaments using iron slime waste. Values of heavy metals viz. Cr, Cd and Ni in wheat straw for
all treatments were under the acceptable limit (BDL). The analysis shows that wheat straw produced
from treatments consisting slime waste, can be suitably used for the edible purpose of animals.
Table 43.Effect of treatments ontotal N (%), total P (%), total K (%), total S (%),Crude Si (%), total Ca
(%), total Mg (%), total Fe (ppm), total Mn (ppm), total Cu (ppm), total Zn (ppm) of produced wheat
straw

The iron ore slime waste consists of pH in the range of (7-7.6) and water holding capacity
in the range of (40-50%)
The soil has a pH in the range of (5-6.5) and water holding capacity in the range of (30-40%).
The dosage of slime waste into soil is maintained in the range of 10-40 ton/ha.
Dosage of organic matter (FYM) into soil is maintained in the range of 5-7.5 ton/ha.
Maximum value of pH (7.45)was obtained with application 30 tons per ha of slime waste
with 5 tons per ha of FYM for soil growing rice crop.
The highest value of electrical conductivity (1.012 dS m-1), water holding capacity (42.5%)and
maximum organic carbon content (0.951%) of soilwas obtained with application of 40 tons per ha of
slime waste with 5 tons per ha of FYM for soil growing rice crop.
Maximum value of available N (257.5 mg/kg), P (15.65 mg/kg), K (65 mg/kg)and S (15.63 mg/kg)at
harvesting stage was obtained with application 30 tons per ha of slime waste with 5 tons per ha of
FYM for soil growing rice crop.
Maximum value of exchangeable Ca (5.30 Cmol/kg) and Mg (4.80 Cmol/kg) at harvesting stage was
obtained with the application 30-40 tons per ha of slime waste with 7.5 tons per ha of FYM for soil
growing rice crop.
Maximumvalue of available Fe (62 mg/kg), available Mn (95.10 mg/kg), available Zn (1.75 mg/kg)
and available Cu (3.02 mg/kg) was obtained with the application of 30-40 tons per ha of slime waste
with 7.5 tons per ha of FYM for soil growing rice crop.
ExtractableCd and extractable Ni in soil growing rice was observed within permissible limit with the
application of iron ore slime waste.
Heightof rice plant (120.5 cm), number of tillers (12.75), number of panciles (12.80 per hill) and
panciles length (26.50 cm) were observed highest with application of 30-40 tons per ha of slime
waste with 5 tons per has of FYM.
Maximumvalue of total N (1.244%), total P (0.2%), total K (0.4%), total S (0.068%), total Si (2.80%),
total Ca (0.2%), total Mg (0.1%), total Fe (57.60%), total Mn (58.30%), total Cu (19.70%), total Zn
(29.10%) of rice seed was observed with the application of 30-40 tons per ha of slime waste and 5-
7.5 tons per ha of FYM.
TotalCd, total Ni and total Cr content in rice seed was observed within permissible limit with the
application of iron ore slime waste.
Maximum value of total N (0.505%), total P (0.106%), total K (0.3%), total S (0.06%), total Si (8.40%),
total Ca (0.439%), total Mg (0.291%), total Fe (270%), total Mn (641%), total Cu (20.5%), total Zn
(49.10%) of rice straw was observed with the application of 40 tons per ha of slime waste and 5-7.5
tons per ha of FYM.
TotalCd, total Ni and total Cr content in rice straw was observed within permissible limit with the
application of iron ore slime waste.

Highest productivity (50.51 gm/pot) of rice seed and (31.55 gm/pot) of rice straw was observed with
the application of 30-40 tons/ha of slime waste with 5 tons/ha of FYM.
Maximumvalue of pH (7.05) was obtained with application 30 tons per ha of slime waste with 5 tons
per ha of FYM for soil growing wheat crop.
Highestvalue of electrical conductivity (1.038dS m-1) and organic carbon content (1.036%) was
obtained with application of 40 tons per ha of slime waste with 5-7.5 tons per ha of FYM for soil
growing wheat crop.
Maximum value of available N (216.8 mg/kg), P (32.35 mg/kg), K (210 mg/kg) and S (112.08 mg/kg)
at harvesting stage was obtained with application 20-40 tons per ha of slime waste with 5-7.5 tons
per ha of FYM for soil growing wheat crop.
Maximumvalue of exchangeable Ca (8.5 Cmol/kg) at harvesting stage was obtained with the
application 10 tons per ha of slime waste with 5 tons per ha of FYM whereas maximum
exchangeable Mg (3.70 Cmol/kg) was with 20 tons per ha of slime waste and 5 tons per ha of FYM
for soil growing wheat crop.
Maximum value of micronutrients like available Fe (32.09%), available Mn (46.20 mg/kg), available
Zn (4.12 mg/kg) and available Cu (2.40 mg/kg) was observed with the application of 30-40 tons per
ha of slime waste with 5-7.5 tons per ha of FYM for soil growing wheat crop.
ExtractableCd and extractable Cr content in soil growing wheatwas observed within permissible limit
with the application of iron ore slime waste.
Heightof wheat plant (83 cm), number of tillers (4.50), number of spikes (4.50 per hill) and spikes
length (11 cm) were observed highest with application of 30 tons per ha of slime waste with 5 tons
per ha of FYM.
Maximum value of total N (4.103%%), total P (0.58%), total K (0.45%), total S (0.202%), total Si
(0.6%), total Ca(0.22%), total Mg (0.144%),total Fe (204.6%), total Mn (69.2%), total Cu (13.6%), total
Zn (82.9%) of produced wheat seed was observed with the application of 30 tons per ha of slime
waste and 5-7.5 tons per ha of FYM.
Total Cd, total Ni and total Cr in wheat seed was observed within permissible limit with the
application of iron ore slime waste.
Maximumvalue of total N (0.904%), total P (0.45%), total K(1.72%), total S (0.182%), total Si (2.3%),
total Ca (0.091%), total Mg (0.117%), total Fe (681.5%), total Mn (76.2%), total Cu (16%), total Zn
(24.5%) of wheat straw was observed with the application of 30 tons per ha of slime waste and 5-7.5
tons per ha of FYM.
total Cd, total Ni and total Cr in wheat straw was observed within permissible limit with the
application of iron ore slime waste.
Highest productivity (5.74 gm/pot) of wheat seed and (6.34 gm/pot) of wheat straw was observed
with the application of 30 tons/ha of slime waste and 5 tons/ha of FYM.

WE CLAIM:
1. An improved fertilizer for augmenting soil quality and crop productivity for
light texture acidic soil comprising:
an iron ore slime waste having iron content <45% and alumina content 12 -
15 (by wt.%) and Silica 12 - 15 (by wt.%) , pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and max. water Holding
Capacity of 42 - 45%;
a fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in a ratio 2 :1 :1;
an organic manure; and
the iron ore slime waste, the fertilizer and the organic manure being
combined in ratio 30 - 40 : 5 - 7.5 : 0.3 - 0.4 by weight.
2. The improved fertilizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein per hectare of land
requires the iron ore slime waste 30 to 40 tonne, 5 to 7.5 tonne of the
organic manure and 300 to 400 kg of the fertilizer.
3. The improved fertilizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Nitrozen fertilizer
is selected from Urea, ammonium sulphate and calcium ammonium nitrate.
4. The improved fertilizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said P2O5 fertilizer is
selected from Triple super phosphate, single super phosphate.
5. The improved fertilizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said K2O fertilizer is
selected from Potash, Muriate of potash, sulphate of potash and potassium
magnesium sulphate.
6. The improved fertilizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said organic manure
used in the invention is farm yard manure.