Characteristics of Limestone Minespoil/debris from Outer Himalayas of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Fifty two limestone minespoil/debris samples from 20 mine sites covering four blocks viz., Bandal, Chamasari, Rajpur and Rikholi under Mussoorie hills of Uttar Pradesh from outer Himalayas were evaluated for important characteristics. Minespoil was found neutral to alkaline in reaction, poor in fertility status, sandy loam in texture, high in CaCO₃, and bu1k density and low in water holding capacity. More than 75% of the samples were found to contain more than 50% CaCO₃. The p^H was found to be significantly correlated with CaCO₃ (r=0.64) and available P (r=-0.48). No relation existed between CaCO₃ and available P but silt+clay was found highly correlated with water holding capacity (r=0.62).