Effects of shrimp industry-waste water on Maize (Zea mays) cultivation

Abstract

A Comparative study was carried out to observe the response of Maize crop by using wastewater from shrimp processing industries at Rupsha Upazila under Khulna district during 2011-12. In the experiment, soil and water quality parameters were determined to sketch out the effect of growth and yield of Maize crop of the experimental area. The nutrient contents of water were analyzed for measuring pH, EC, salinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), Hardness and some major ionic concentrations. For industrial wastewater, the average pH was 8.12 which reflected alkaline in nature. The values of SAR, SSP and Hardness were 4.28, 71.24 to 81.847 percent and 298.8 mg L-1 and for soil, the pH, EC and other major ionic concentration were determined and the value of wastewater irrigated soils was shown higher than the value of freshwater irrigated soils except magnesium. Loading of soil was not much higher except Na. For plant response, Plant height was significantly different from fresh water irrigation as well as leaf response was shown on average same results and moisture content of grain has indicated that yield was harvested at right time with yield response was moderately good in compare with fresh water. If proper management can be implemented for recycling this wastewater, then this wastewater can be used for sustainable production of maize crops.