Effect of eggshell powder on the growth performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant

Each year, 50,000 tonnes of eggshell waste are produced worldwide. The majority of this waste is gathered on land without any prior treatment, and as it decomposes, it harms the environment with its offensive odor. This experimental study was done to determine the physio-chemical and microbiological parameters of the amount of eggshell produced by Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE), Virudhunagar district. To evaluate processed eggshell powder for assessed okra plant growth development promotion by vigor index observation in a pot culture experiment, collected egg shell was converted into powder form with the aid of a mixer and passed through 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.5 mm sieves with the addition of red soil and vermicompost at pH 8.31 and EC 3.82 dsm⁻¹. Details of treatments T₀ (Control) 100 percent red soil medial filled in pot, Treatment 1 (60 percent red soil plus 20 percent eggshell powder plus 20 percent vermicompost), 2, and 3 (60 percent red soil plus 20 percent 0.6 mm sieved eggshell powder for T₂ and 0.7 mm sieved eggshell powder for T₃ plus 20 percent vermicompost). Compared to treatments 2 and 3, treatment 1 had a greater improvement in bacterial and fungal populations, plant root and shoot length, and dry biomass, as well as a higher vigor index. The findings of this study support crop production and the reduction of environmental pollutants by utilizing calcium rich eggshell fine powder waste.