Abstract
The potential value and the problems associated with the usage of spentwash in Rampur District were studied and also their environmental impacts were discussed. The studies revealed that, though at higher doses (> 250 m3/ ha) spentwash application is found detrimental to crop growth and soil fertility, its use at lower doses (125 m3/ha) remarkably improves germination, growth and yield of dryland crops. Further, it has been revealed that conjoint application of spentwash and organic amendments (farm yard manure, green leaf manure and bio-compost) is found suitable under dryland conditions. Large amounts of soluble salts have been found to be leached from calcareous and high pH sodic soils amended with spentwash. Notably, application of spentwash has resulted in leaching of high amounts of sodium from high pH sodic soils reflecting its potential in ameliorating these soils. However, exceptionally high loading of the leachate with organic and inorganic contaminants may pose potential risk for groundwater contamination.