I recently amended some soils with varying grams on cement dusts to observe the effect on growth parameters. i notice medium concentrations promote the growth better than that of the Control. Though, the experiment is still ongoing since the metal uptake of the vegetable will be assessed. But the way it is now, do you think it will be proper ecotoxicogically to adopt this method for promoting biomass of vegetable for economic gains.
Concrete is strongly basic so it can damage soil and plants is better to use something like the EM Effective Microorganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effective_microorganism
You cannot be conclusive with your observations yet. You will need to analyse your plant materials for your contaminant of interest to conclude. The plants in your treated medium may be excluding the contaminant and thus improved growth. If you have sustantial contaminant accumulation in plant samples in your amended treatment, you could have a basis for the improved plant growth and further investigation. Other factors too may be contributory to your observations.
Cement dust contains alkalis, as well as silica, calcium and other minerals. The calcium is typically in the form of lime. Between the lime and the alkalis this can enhance plant growth. Too much of course will simply kill the plant ( it is highly basic as previously referenced ). Cement Kiln Dust is often sold as fertilizer for crops.
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