IMPACT OF FLY ASH FROM CEMENT FACTORY ON CROP PRODUCTION AT CHATTAK UPAZILA UNDER SUNAMGANJ DISTRICT

Fly-ash has great potentiality in agriculture due to its efficacy in modification of soil health and crop performance. The high concentration of elements (K, Na, Zn, Ca, Mg and Fe) in fly-ash increases the yield of many agricultural crops. But compared to other sectors, the use of fly-ash in agriculture is limited. An exhaustive review of numerous studies took place in this paper, which systematically covers the importance, scope and apprehension regarding utilization of fly-ash in agriculture. For the interest of the study, CEGIS study team conducted a study at Binodpur village of Chhatak upazila under Sunamganj district during 2009. Fly ash related information has been collected through a questionnaire survey, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII). The study team also conducted consultation meeting with the Officials of Chhatak and Lafarge-Surma cement factory Ltd, DAE Officials to know the operational system of cement factory and fly ash related different information. Fly ash related different literature also reviewed for the interest of the study. This paper identified some areas, like proper handling of dry ash in plants as well as in fields, ash pond management (i.e., faster decantation, recycling of water, vertical expansion rather than horizontal), monitoring of soil health, crop quality, and fate of fly-ash in time domain, where research thrust is required. This study document reveal that, this will be helpful for teachers, students, researchers, activists and those who are works together for sustainable development.