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+, Ca2+, Mg2+, TKN, PO43-, SO42-, Fe3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Cr3+ 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 Mn2+>Zn2+>Cu2+>Cd2+>Cr3+ for soil and Mn2+>Zn2+>Cu2+>Cr3+>Cd2+ 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.