Effect of LD slag application on yield attributes, yield and protein content of groundnut kernel in acid soil of Bhubaneswar, Odisha

A field experiment was carried out at the Central Horticultural Research Station, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha to explore the possibility of using low cost liming material like LD (Linz-Donawitz) slag to ameliorate acid soil and its impact on productivity of groundnut and its protein and oil content. Soil amelioration with LD slag @ 30 per cent lime requirement (LR) in conjunction with inorganics and vermicompost improved the growth, nutrient concentration and yield of the crop. The LD slag used in this study contained 32.5 per cent calcium carbonate which was applied at 30 per cent of LR along with organic and inorganic fertilizers in different treatments. The yield attributes viz plant height (37.98 cm) , stover yield (4.69 tonnes/ha), biological yield (8.2 tonnes/ha), number of pods per plant (22.33), pod yield (2.46 tonnes/ha), 1000-kernel weight (288.21 g), shelling percentage (77.36) and oil content (48.60%) were recorded highest in the treatment receiving LD slag, 100 per cent recommended dose as inorganic fertilizer and vermicompost. Highest crude protein content (26.19%) was also recorded in the above treatment. LD slag was found to be useful in enhancing biomass, protein content, yield and oil content of kernel. However no significant differences were observed when LD slag was applied without organic fertilizer.