Integrated Effect of Bio-methanated Distillery Effluent and Bio-compost on Soil Properties, Juice Quality and Yield of Sugarcane in Entisol

Abstract

The integrated effect of bio-methanated distillery effluent (BMDE), bio-compost and FYM as a source of plant nutrients and their effect on soil properties, nutrient uptake, juice quality and sugarcane yield were investigated. The BMDE, bio-compost and FYM were characterized. The treatments consisted of substitution of K2O through bio-methanated distillery effluent @ 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of BMDE, bio-compost and FYM (@ 20 t ha−1) with recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The cane yield increased significantly 2.6, 6.4, 20.4, 23.3, 17.2, 9.8 %, respectively with the application of BMDE, bio-compost and FYM over control. The uptake of nutrient, viz., N, P and K followed the similar trend of cane yield. The highest cane yield (BO 137) was recorded (72.13 t ha−1) in treatment receiving 100 % K2O replacement through BMDE and lowest (58.50 t ha−1) in control. The result also indicated that integrated use of BMDE along with inorganic potassium was superior to other treatments improving cane yield. The quality of juice, viz., sucrose and purity remains unaffected. However, commercial cane sugar significantly increased in all the treatments over control. The application of different doses of BMDE and bio-compost @ 20 t ha−1 significantly increased the EC, organic carbon and available N, P2O5 and K2O content of soil over control (recommended dose). They also enriched the soil organic matter which improved the physical properties of soil especially the water transmission characteristic of soil. Hydraulic conductivity, infiltration and soil aggregation increased significantly due to application of bio-compost and BMDE. The soil aggregation increased and bulk density decreased with increasing levels of BMDE. The K content of post harvest soil increased substantially in BMDE and bio-compost treated plots. The application of BMDE and bio-compost brings remarkable changes in the properties of soil and thus enhance the fertility of soil and productivity of sugarcane significantly.