Abstract Modern agriculture in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India, is currently facing a critical sustainability crisis characterized by long-term soil acidification, depleted microbial activity, and the exhaustion of essential trace minerals due to an over-reliance on N-P-K chemical fertilizers. While the native geology of the Deccan Trap Province is composed of basaltic lava flows naturally rich in essential base cations like Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Iron (Fe), these nutrients are released at an geological pace through natural weathering. Simultaneously, the stone-crushing industry in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar generates vast quantities of "Quarry Dust," an industrial byproduct that currently serves as a significant source of environmental air pollution. This research investigates a circular economy solution by repurposing finely ground basaltic waste (<75 µm) as a "fast-acting" geological amendment to restore the mineral balance and structural integrity of Black Cotton Soil (Vertisols). The methodology focused on a pilot expansion across 1 acre in Govandari Tanda, Ohar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, utilizing a hybrid application of basaltic powder and local organic compost. The primary scientific objective was to harness the mineralogy of the Deccan Basalt to improve crop yields and soil health parameters. Key performance indicators (KPIs) included a measurable reduction in the deep cracking characteristic of expansive Vertisols, percentage increases in crop yield, and a reduction in local particulate pollution. Results from the study indicate that basaltic rock dust acts as a potent re-mineralizer, providing a distinct niche in regenerative and organic farming. Beyond direct agronomic benefits, the innovation facilitates long-term carbon sequestration through the enhanced weathering of silicate minerals, contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals. The proposed scaling plan transitions from experimental pilots to regional adoption via localized production hubs and GIS-supported monitoring. Ultimately, this research demonstrates that integrating industrial waste management with sustainable agricultural practices can significantly reduce chemical fertilizer dependency while restoring the long-term fertility of the Deccan Trap region.
Rahman et al. (Thu,) studied this question.