Effects of fertilizer factory effluent on soil and crop productivity

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of various concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50%) of fertilizer factory effluent on certain physico-chemical properties of soil, and germination, growth, photosynthetic pigments, and dry matter productions of corn (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was highly alkaline and contained high amounts of N+, Ca2+, Na+, Cl−, COin3su−, HCOin3su−and suspended and dissolved solids. Its BOD value was also high. The effluent treatment to soil resulted in a significant increase in the water soluble salts, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, pH, N, Ca, Na, and Cl content of the soil for effluent concentrations of 10% and above. The effluent in the lower concentrations of 2.5 and 5 % enhanced the growth and development of corn and rice. Higher concentrations of effluent (10% and above), however, inhibited the percentage of seed germination and caused deleterious effects on the dry matter production, yield (quantitative and qualitative) and the photosynthetic pigments of both test crops.