Author(s)
DARSH AGARWAL, Dr. Sabina Riaz
- Manuscript ID: 140649
- Volume: 2
- Issue: 6
- Pages: 2970–2976
Subject Area: Other
Abstract
Soil pollution caused from wastewater discharge, urbanisation, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal creates a growing threat to agricultural sustainability. This study investigated the effects of pollution on soil quality and crop productivity in the Gomti River Basin, Lucknow, India. Six soil types representing different environmental conditions were tested.
Soil quality was assessed using pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and water-holding capacity. Crop productivity was analysed through a controlled plant growth experiment. Soil pH ranged from 6.5 to 8.5, TDS values ranged from 177–280 ppm, and water-holding capacity ranged from 10–70%. Farmyard manure-treated soil displayed the highest water-holding capacity (70%) and supported the greatest plant growth (11.5 cm), while roadside soil showed the lowest water-holding capacity (10%) and no measurable plant growth.
The results show a clear relationship between soil quality and crop productivity. Soils with greater moisture retention and balanced chemical properties supported improved plant growth, while polluted soils generally showed poorer performance. The findings show the importance of maintaining soil organic matter and adopting sustainable soil management practices to improve agricultural productivity.
Anomalously, garbage area soil (CS-02) outpaced clean garden soil (CS-01) by supporting 41.6% greater plant height, serving as a unique standout finding within the contaminated cohorts