Introduction:

This chapter discusses literatures which were reviewed by other authors and scholars relating to
the effects of eggshell in soil and crop growth and yield.

Soil amendments:

What is an eggshell?

An eggshell is the outer covering of a hard-shelled. However, the main component that forms the
hard structure of eggshell is calcium carbonate (Hincke et al., 2012). There is potassium,
nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus as macronutrients (Cusack et al., 2003; Rovenský
et al., 2003; Brun et al., 2013; Makkar et al., 2015). It also contains chloride and zinc as
micronutrients (Barker and Pilbeam, 2007). Eggshells contain calcium and trace amounts of
other micro elements, i.e. magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur,
silicon and zinc (Bee, 2011). Its calcium is probably the best natural source of calcium and it is
about 90% absorbable (Bee, 2011). It is a much better source of calcium than limestone or coral
sources (Bee, 2011).

Effects of eggshell on soil.

Ground eggshells are effective liming sources (John and Paul, 2006). Calcium raises, or
neutralizes, the pH level of overly acidic soil. Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH
between 5.8 and 7.0. El Habbasha. (2015) added that calcium reduces soil acidity which
indirectly improves crop production. The advantage of eggshells in comparison with other
natural sources of calcium is the low level of toxic substances present (Boron 2004).
(Chakraborty 2007) reported that eggshell has a huge amount of calcium which can be used very
effectively which enriches the pH and calcium content of the soil.

Sanitized eggshells can be used to increase mineral content of compost and spread around plants
to deter slugs and snails. The use of soil stabilizer agents like lime and bitumen are expensive
and therefore require an economic replacement (Amu and Salami, 2010). Soil stabilization may
be broadly defined as the alteration or preservation of one or more soil properties to improve the
engineering characteristics and performance. When the mechanical stability of soil cannot be
obtained by combing materials, it is advisable to stabilize it by adding lime, cement, bituminous
materials or special additives. Chicken eggshells are waste material that can be used as an
alternative soil stabilizer like lime since they have the same chemical composition (Amu et al.,
2005). The composition of the egg shell is approximately 98.2, % Calcium carbonate, making it
a good soil amendment material. Amu et al. (2005) reported that eggshells can be an alternative
to lime as a soil stabilizing agent.

Effects of eggshell on crops:

The calcium carbonate in eggshells is similar to the common soil additive lime, which is
probably the best natural source of calcium for plants. The biochemical parameters like
chlorophyll, amino acid, protein and total phenol also increase with increasing concentration of
hen eggshell (Shah Jahan et al., 2016). Eggshell has high calcium source. Calcium regulates
many metabolic process and biochemical function. Calcium is chemical element for the growth
and development of plant without calcium the development of shoot tissue new root stops the
growth of new root calcium has major role in formation of cell wall membrane in the plant.
(Hiral J. et al., 2016).

Eggshell has rich amount of calcium and this calcium can be used very effectively in various
applications. When used as a fertilizer it enriched the pH and calcium content of the soil. This
enrichment is very beneficial for plants suffering from blossom –end –root diseases. For
example, Green pepper plant, Tomato plants, Berry plants etc. Eggshell help reduce the plant
blossom-end rot (BER) disease. It also increases the nutritional intake of plants (Hamester et al.
2012). This enrichment is very beneficial for plants suffering from blossom-end rot disease, for
example tomato plants, berry plants, etc. (Chakraborty 2007).

Crushed eggshells deter slugs, snails, and cutworms. These garden pests are a
real pain in the gardener's neck, and cutworms are the worst, killing seedlings by
severing the stems at soil level.

A lot of research has been done on eggshell as an organic fertilizer, but little attention was given
to the effects of eggshell on growth and yield of green pepper with different soil types.
 CHAPTER THREE

Research Methodology

Introduction:

This chapter includes the research design,