Effects of organic manure and lime on growth and heavy metals accumulation in Alfalfa grown in soil polluted by lead/zinc mine tailings.

The present study has been conducted to study the effects of organic manure and lime amendment on the growth,development,yield,chlorophyll content and accumulation of heavy metals(Cu,Cd,Pb and Zn) in Alfalfa grown in pot culture having soils contaminated by mine tailings containing lead and zinc.The changes in pH and its effect on available heavy metal content in soil were also investigated.The results showed that both amendments could significantly increase pH and decrease the content of available heavy metal in soil.It was found that the translocation of Cd,Pb,Cu and Zn from root to shoot of Alfalfa was inhibited by application of organic manure and lime that resulted in the reduction of heavy metal accumulation in above ground parts of Alfalfa.Application of amendments could significantly improve the growth and development of Alfalfa and increase the plant height and fresh weight of aboveground and underground parts and chlorophyll content in leaves of Alfalfa.Significant differences in heavy metal content have been observed with application of different levels of organic manure and lime amendments.The best effect was observed with the amendment of 10g / kg soil organic manure and 10g / kg soil lime.