Impact of Treated Domestic Sewage Irrigation on Crop Yield, Plant Uptake and Soil Properties in Central India

Abstract

The rising population has not only increased the fresh water demand but also increased the volume of wastewater generated. Increasing need for water has resulted in the emergence of domestic wastewater application for agriculture and its relative use. In the present study a field experiment was conducted during 2012-13 and 2013-14 in which spinach (Spinacia oleracia) were irrigated with well water (WW) and domestic treated sewage water (DTSW). The use of the DTSW has shown improvement in the physicochemical properties of the soil, yield along with the nutrient status as compared to the application of WW. Post harvest pH of the soil in DTSW was in the range 7.85 whereas it was 7.93 in WW. EC and OC were found 0.43dS m-1 and 5.41 g kg-1 respectively in DTSW whereas it was 0.31 dS m-1 and 5.27 g kg-1 respectively in WW. NPK were found 279.6, 17.22 and 435.70 kg ha-1 respectively in DTSW whereas it was found, 266.8, 16.44 to 428.1 kg ha-1 respectively in WW. The physical properties of the soil like BD and HC observed 1.32 Mg m-3and 1.50 cm hr-1 respectively in DTSW and it was found 1.42 Mg m-3 and 1.54 cm hr-1 respectively in WW. The content of micronutrients and heavy metals in soil and plant due to irrigation of DTSW were well below the phytotoxicity limits in both soil and plant. The findings give applicable advice to commercial farmers and agricultural researchers for proper management and use of treated domestic wastewater for agricultural purpose.