Sugar Mill Effluent Utilization in the Cultivation of Maize ( Zea mays L.) in Two Seasons

Abstract

The aim of present investigation is to study the effects of sugar mill effluent fertigation on soil properties and agronomical characteristics of Maize ( Zea mays L. cv. NMH 589) in two seasons. Six treatments of sugar mill effluent, namely, 0% (control), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, were used for the cultivation of Z. mays . Fertigation with different concentrations of sugar mill effluent resulted in significant ( P < 0.01 ) changes in EC, pH, OC, Na + , K + , Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , TKN, PO 4 3 - , SO 4 2 - , Fe 3 + , Zn 2 + , Cd 2 + , Cu 2 + , Mn 2 + , and Cr 3 + of the soil in both seasons. The maximum agronomic performance of Z. mays was noted with 40% concentration of sugar mill effluent. Biochemical components like crude proteins, crude fiber, and total carbohydrates were recorded highest with 40% concentration of sugar mill effluent in both seasons. The contamination factor (Cf) of various heavy metals was observed in order of Mn 2 + > Zn 2 + > Cu 2 + > Cd 2 + > Cr 3 + for soil and Mn 2 + > Zn 2 + > Cu 2 + > Cr 3 + > Cd 2 + for Z. mays in both seasons after fertigation with sugar mill effluent. It appears that sugar mill effluent can be used as a biofertigant after appropriate dilution to improve the yield.