Effect of tannery sludge amendments on the activity of soil enzymes and phytoremediation potential of two economically important cultivars of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

ABSTRACTA field experiment was conducted to observe the effect of TS amendments on soil enzymes and phytoremediation potential of two economically important cultivars of geranium. Different doses of TS were applied in soil to examine threshold limit of HMs where geranium cultivars can be grown successfully in contaminated sites. Treatment variation significantly affected pH, EC, OC, N, P, K and HM content in soil after 50 days of incubation. After harvest, both cultivars were examined to assess the impact of various treatments on their fresh herb, dry matter, essential oil yield and HM accumulation. C/G ratio close to 1 was observed at 50 tha−1 sludge treatment in both cultivars. Urease and β-glucosidase activities in soil were maximum at 50 tha−1 whereas dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities were maximum at 100 tha−1 in both cultivars. β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, urease and dehydrogenase activities were relatively high after 85 days over 45 days in both cultivars. Maximum metal uptak...