Molluscan Soil Neutralizer

Abstract

The primary aim of this research work was to find out indigenous substances such as mollusk shells that could be utilized to neutralize the acidic soil brought about by acid rain. Specifically, it attempted to conduct qualitative chemical analysis on the presence of lime in the shells of mollusks such clams (ulya , Tag.), green mussels (tahong, Tag.) and oyster (talaba, Tag.) and to find out the effect of these shells on the vertical growth of eggplant. The pH value ofthe soil used was 5.8 which showed that the soil used was acidic. Three experiments were conducted where the soil was treated with pulverized shells of tahong, talaba and tulya. In the control treatment, no molluscan treatment was done on the soil; only water was applied. Three replications of the four experiments were done. Through the qualitative analysis conducted, it was found out that lime was present in the mollusk shells. Based on the data gathered, this lime could be used to neutralize the acidity of the soil as reflected by the difference in the vertical growths of eggplants grown in soil treated with talaba, tahong, and tulya shells as compared to those planted in the control. Soil treated with talaba produced the tallest eggplants, followed by the soil treated with tahong and tulya. Eggplants grown in the control treatment were the shortest.