Possibilitiy of using cement kiln dust for improving sandy soil health and enhancing maize performance [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Many researchers worldwide have suggested the use of cement kiln dust (CKD) as a soil amendment
and a source of nutrients to enhance crop performance. Pot experiment was accomplished in the
greenhouse of Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, to investigate impacts
of white and black CKDs applied at six rates (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 g kg-1) to sandy loam soil on some
soil chemical and biological properties and maize growth and quality parameters. Treated soils with either
white CKD or black CKD were very slightly saline; moderately alkaline; and still in a safe lead, nickel,
and cadmium levels. Soil amendment by increasing white CKD rate from 0.0 up to 16 g kg-1 increased
microbial biomass C and N and enzyme activity of arginase and β-glucosidase. The highest values of
plant height, fresh and dry weight of maize plants, and water use productivity by maize plants were
recorded with 16 g kg-1 of white CKD. There was no distinct accumulation of lead, nickel, and cadmium
in the maize shoots. It is applicable to use white CKD only at the application rate of 16 g kg-1 (16 Mg
feddan-1) for crops grown in sandy soils under conditions of El-Minia Governorate, Egypt.
Keywords: White, Black CKDs, Health Risk Assessment, Microbial biomass.

Summary in Arabic.