growth and yield of tomato, napier grass and sugarcane

Growth and yield of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane crops as influenced by wastewater irrigation in Mysore, Karnataka, India

WRJAS


Mohammed Abdullah Alghobar1 and Sidduraiah Suresha2*

1,2* Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja's College, University of Mysore, Mysore 570005, Karnataka, India.

The effect of wastewater irrigation on plant growth and yield of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane crops was compared with that of ground water irrigation. Treatments included untreated wastewater (UWW) treated wastewater (TWW) and ground water (GW) as control. The results obtained, plant height, number of fruits/plant, dry biomass g/plant and number of branches/plant of tomato (78.46 cm, 45.88, 15.49 and 11.41) and (75.13 cm, 41.48, 14.42 and 10.28) were significantly higher in the UWW and TWW compared to GW. The UWW and TWW irrigated Napier grass gave the highest growth and yield, compared to that of GW irrigation. Plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf width and number of tiller were 188.46 cm, 83.62, 93.62 cm, 2.52 and 13.2 in UWW and 182.68 cm, 69.75, 88.67cm, 2.29 and 10.39 in TWW and these are significantly higher as compared to that of GW irrigation. Wastewater irrigation of sugarcane increased cane length, number of nodes/cane, number of leaves, cane diameter and cane weight significantly as compared to control GW are 191.86 cm, 22.48, 39.3 and 2.30 cm in UWW and 149.4 cm, 20.54, 27.53 and 2.22 cm in TWW and compared to that of GW irrigation.

Keywords: Wastewater, groundwater, nutrient, heavy metal, cation exchange capacity, soil bulk density. INTRODUCTION The term wastewater agriculture refers to crop production under wastewater irrigation. This practice is widely seen in many cities of developing countries where urban wastewater becomes the irrigation source for farmers in urban and semi-urban areas (Raschid-Sally and Jayakody, 2008). Wastewater use for agriculture is an important management strategy in areas with limited freshwater resources, yielding potential economic and environmental benefits. The practice has manifold benefits in the form of water conservation, nutrient recycling and prevention of surface and ground water pollution (Farahat and Linderholm, 2015). Irrigation of olive trees with treated wastewaters in arid and semi-arid regions is becoming a necessary alternative to addressing issues of water shortages. The irrigation requires a careful monitoring of soil and plants for a

range of parameters including salts, nutrients, micro-elements, heavy metals, toxic pollutants (Petousi et al., 2015). In agricultural soils, the presence of metals is of increasing concern because they have the potential to get accumulated in less soluble forms, get transferred into soil solution, and subsequently deteriorate the groundwater and crop quality (Kelepertzis, 2014).

*Corresponding author: Dr. Sidduraiah Suresha, Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja's College, University of Mysore, Mysore 570005, Karnataka, India. Tel.: +91 9448755001, E-mail address: [email protected]

World Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3(1), pp. 069-079, August, 2016. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 3115-2864

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Alghobar et al. 069 Irrigation of rose flowers plants by raw wastewater (RWW) every three days showed higher flower yields per plant and improved flower quality parameters. RWW frequencies imposed higher macro and micro nutrient levels in leaves of rose plants (Rusan et al., 2008). The results of Aghtape et al. (2011) and Tavassoli et al. (2010) experiments showed that irrigation with wastewater significantly increased the fresh and dry forage yield of corn than that of irrigation with well water. Abu Nada (2009) undertook study to assess the long term impacts of wastewater irrigation on different parameters of soil and crop. Long term wastewater irrigation increased salt, organic matter and plant nutrients in both soil layers. Alfalfa yield increased as long as the period of wastewater irrigation continued. Alfalfa yield from wastewater irrigation was 240% higher than that from groundwater irrigation in the first year. Nadav et al. (2013) indicated that the physico-chemical properties of soils were altered by wastewater irrigation, as a result of long-term accumulation of organic matter in the soil profiles. High level of organic matter in wastewater acts as cement for the building up of soil aggregates. Therefore, lower bulk density and higher infiltration and water retention are the main features under wastewater irrigation. However, suspended solids in wastewater negatively affect the soil porosity. Khurana and Singh (2012) summarized the available data on chemical composition of different wastewaters and their effects on soil fertility, soil heavy-metal content, crop yield and quality. Field application of all types of wastewaters significantly increased soil OC percentage and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Biswas et al. (2015) assessed the feasibility of using low-cost filtered municipal wastewater for irrigation of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L cv. Surma). The average plant height for T5 (8.097 in.) irrigated with municipal wastewater was statistically identical to the control (water from ponds and rivers). Gatta et al. (2015) observed that the source of irrigation water did not affect significantly tomato yield traits except tomato quality. Also marketable fruit yield was higher with wastewater compared to that from groundwater. According to Jou et al. (2015) a 3-year monitoring of some parameters of plant and leaves of olive trees in Crete, Greece was conducted using trees being irrigated with both sewage water and tape water. Plant growth was similar irrespective of irrigation sources as indicated by measured trunk diameter and plant height. In addition, no significant differences in leaf mineral contents were observed. Mahesh et al. (2015) reported that in many urban and peri-urban areas of India, wastewater is less considered as a major water resource for agricultural purpose. The integrated approach showed that the change in the total irrigated area was marginal over the decade, whereas there was a distinct shift in cropping patterns from paddy rice to paragrass and leafy vegetables.

Nissim et al. (2015) showed that municipal wastewater could be a valuable source of nutrients (especially N and P) and water for plant growth. Wastewater Irrigation had a positive effect on willow growth and biomass yield. Gupta et al. (2015) evaluated the effect of irrigation schedules of domestic wastewater on growth and yield of fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in Karnal (Haryana). Irrigation with wastewater resulted in significant (P<0.05) increase in plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, leaf to stem (green and dry) biomass and green fodder yield. A significant (P<0.05) decrease in dry matter content was observed in wastewater fed plots as compared to that of tube well water. Bedbabis et al.(2015) studied the long-term effects of irrigation with treated municipal wastewater on soil, yield and olive oil quality in Tunisia. Treated wastewater irrigation of Chemlali olive trees result in significant yield increase when compared to yields from plot irrigated with water. The purpose of the present work was to study the status of plant growth with wastewater irrigation in Vidyaranyapuram area of Mysore city, Karnataka, India, with respect to growth and yield as compared to that of ground water irrigated crops. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study area is located in the suburban area in the south western part of Mysore city, Karnataka, India, near Vidyaranyapuram sewage treatment plant (latitude 12.273681 to 12.270031 N and longitude 76.650737 to 76.655947 E) where the facility was constructed in 2002 with an area of 27.21 sq. km and a sewer length of 7000 m. Locations were selected to get information on the effect of wastewater on soil and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), Napier grass (P. purpureum) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) crops in Mysore city. The study also covered the physico-chemical characteristics of water samples collected from Vidyaranyapuram sewage treatment plant station. More than fifty percent of the wastewater handled by Mysore city is received by Vidyaranyapuram Sewage Treatment Plant. The total sewage generation of sewage treatment plant is 67.75 million liters per day. It is a biological treatment plant situated next to the solid waste disposal area at the foot of Chamundi Hills; the treated wastewater of Vidyaranyapuram sewage treatment plant directly reaches the Kabini River. The treated sewage water is pumped out after sewage treatment to field channels for direct use as irrigation water; also the farmers use this untreated wastewater for irrigating various crops. Field surveys were carried out in and around Mysore city, to collect water and plant samples. Water samples collected from different sources included untreated wastewater, treated wastewater and ground water. On the whole the samples were collected from untreated


World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 070

Table 1. Analyzed parameters for soil physical properties and methods were used for study of soil

Parameter Test method

Soil Texture % Mechanical analysis of soil by sieve method

Soil Color Munsell Soil Color Charts, 1954 edition

Determination of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) Meq/100g

Determination of CEC by Ammonium Acetate method

Measurement of bulk density (Pb) of soil g/cc

Determined using a clod by mercury displacement method (Blake, 1985)

Calculation of porosity Calculation

wastewater, treated wastewater and ground water, along with soil and crops samples from the fields irrigated with these water sources. The wastewater and ground water were analysed for various, parameters of agricultural importance such as pH, EC, nutrients and heavy metals as per standard methods of APHA (2005). According to Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory Manual of International Center for Agriculture Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA, 2001), common soil physical measurements were conducted, including particle size distribution, texture, porosity, bulk density and infiltration rate as mentioned at Table 1. Measuring plant growth and yield Measurement of plant growth and yield of tomato, fodder grass and sugarcane, grown on these fields and irrigated with different water sources were done. The parameters studied included plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, tillers, primary branches, secondary branches, flowers number/plant, number of fruits/plant, total weight of fruit/plant, biomass, etc. Three replicates were used for each treatment. Crop growth rate was worked out as proposed by Hunt (1978). Tomato crop growth and yield measurement Five plants were selected at random from each replicate treatment. The observations were recorded and the mean values were statistically analyzed and expressed in respective units. Height of plant was recorded from base of the plant (fixed point) to the growing tip of the main stem; the observations were recorded on five labeled plants and are measured in centimeter. Fruits were harvested at each picking and number of fruits obtained from five plants was summed up. The average was calculated and expressed as number of fruits per plant. The average number of branches was counted at the end of harvest stage and the observations were recorded using five labeled plants and the average was worked out and expressed in number. The mean fruit weight of five fruits from each randomly selected observational plant was during harvest period and the weight of fruit was recorded by using electric balance and expressed as gram/fruit. Five randomly selected plants were removed from each treatment plot without damaging the roots and

washed to remove the soil particles. The samples were kept in the air for drying, when the weight become stable, the mean dry weight of the plants was calculated and expressed as gram per plant. Napier grass crop growth and yield measurement All the measurements were recorded at harvest date (eight weeks of re-growth), the recommended period for feeding the Napier grass for animals. For collecting data five plants were randomly and were uprooted from each plot before harvesting for recording data. The total plant height of Napier grass was determined basal by recording circumference at 10 cm above ground level to the top leaf by using measuring tape in cm. Total number of leaves/plant was estimated from the tiller number/plant and leaf number/tiller. The leaf length and width were measured from five representative plants in each plot and numbers of tillers per plant were calculated. Napier fodder was harvested above the ground level (3-4 cm) sample was taken for dry weight. Air dry weight dried when was measured stability of weight was achieved and recorded as gram per plant. Sugarcane plant growth and yield measurement For data collection five sugarcane plants from each treatment were randomly selected for different parameters, like cane length (cm), number of nodes/cane, number of leaves, cane diameter (cm) and cane weight (g). These were recorded according to the procedure given by (Beadle, 1987). Millable cane height of sugarcane plant was measured from the ground level (base of plant) up to the highest visible transverse mark below the green tops. The millable cane height was measured by using a measuring and recorded tape in cm. The numbers of visible nodes on five sample sugarcane plants were counted by visual counting method; the mean values obtained were recorded. The average number of leaves was counted for five sugarcane plants by visual counting method, the mean values obtained were recorded and expressed in number. The diameter of centrally located inter nodes was measured by simple scale measuring method in centimeter. The mean values obtained were calculated. After harvesting millable cane green top was separated


Alghobar et al. 071

Table 2. Parameters of physicochemical properties of waters used in the experiments

Parameter UWW TWW GW

pH 7.50 8.13 8.30

EC µS/cm 1032 1225 1099

DO mg/l Nil 2.3 6.9

COD mg/l 964 145 16

BOD mg/l 650 30 2

TDS mg/l 560 624 696

Ca mg/l 43.37 62.64 56.22

Mg mg/l 27.01 28.89 68.50

Na mg/l 48 60 56

K mg/l 24 20 20

CO3 mg/l Nil Nil 40

HCO3 mg/l 296 392 544

Cl mg/l 93 115 17

TN mg/l 78.4 61.6 0.56

TP mg/l 4.55 2.40 0.053

SO4 mg/l 24 20 52

Fe mg/l 2.93 2.48 0.075

Mn mg/l 0.157 0.041 0.043

Cu mg/l <0.05 <0.05 <0.05

Zn mg/l 0.133 0.278 0.363

Cd mg/l 0.047 0.047 0.047

Ni mg/l 0.040 0.036 0.034

Pb mg/l 0.053 0.053 0.051

Co mg/l 0.055 0.054 0.054

Cr mg/l 0.032 0.031 0.032

from each other. The wet weight of millable cane per plant was determined by electronic balance. Statistical analysis The recorded data were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) as described by Steel et al. (1997). Least significance difference test was applied to assess significant differences between the means at 5% level of probability. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SAS program, Version 9.1 (SAS System, 2004). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Water quality parameters Data presented in Table 2 show physico-chemical properties of untreated wastewater (UWW), treated wastewater (TWW) and ground water (GW), which were used for irrigating of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane crops. The chemical parameters measured were temperature, pH, EC, DO, COD, BOD, TDS, Ca, Mg, Na, K, CO3, HCO3, Cl, N, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Co and Cr. There were obvious differences in several measured parameters when the results were compared from between sites. The BOD and COD presented in Table 2 show that UWW the values were very high when compared to the FAO values (1992). The DO and TDS

content of UWW, TWW and GW were very low when compared to the FAO values (1992). The pH of UWW, TWW and GW were 7.50, 8.13 and 8.30 respectively. According to the FAO (1992) the tolerance limit of pH of water samples for irrigation should be 6.50 to 8.40. The EC values were 1032, 1225 and 1099 µS/cm, the range based on salinity classes of irrigation waters (Environment Protection Authority 1991), is 780-2340 µS/cm of irrigation water. It is not advisable to use more saline water on soils with restricted drainage, even with adequate drainage, best management practice for salinity controls may be required, and the salt tolerance of the plants to be irrigated must also to be considered. The sewage water is an important source of nutrients and can be used for irrigation under controlled condition (Angin et al., 2005). Wastewater contains considerable amounts of N (78.4 mg/l), P (4.55 mg/l), and K (24 mg/l) which are considered as essential nutrients for maintaining productivity levels (crops growth) and soil fertility. All heavy metals analysed in irrigation water were not at elevated levels except Cd, which was elevated in wastewater and ground water (Table 2). In comparison with the standard guideline for irrigation water (FAO1992), it was found that the mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Co, and Cr were within the safe limits. The level of Cd is more than 4 times in the irrigation water than the recommended level of 0.1 mg/l as prescribed by FAO (1992).


World Res. J. Agric. Sci. 072 Table 3. Physical parameters of soil samples of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane

Crops Treatment Particle Size distribution, %

Texture class

Colour Bulk density (g/cm³)

Calculation of porosity %

CEC Meq/100g

Sand Silt Clay

Tomato UWW 77.91 11.15 10.94 Sandy Loam

Light grey

1.57 41 16.27

TWW 84.03 9.89 6.08 Loamy sand

Light grey

1.67 37 13.76

GW 88.46 10.63 0.91 Sandy Red 1.54 42 5.12

Napier grass

UWW 76.48 19.63 3.89 Loamy Sand

Black 1.49 44 12.49

TWW 90.00 6.61 2.71 Sandy Light grey

1.58 40 11.33

GW 89.34 7.29 3.37 Sandy Red 1.64 38 8.22

Sugarcane UWW 87.01 6 6.99 Loamy sand

grey 1.65 38 13.93

TWW 88.61 10.78 0.61 Sandy grey 1.57 41 10.51

GW 89.97 7.91 2.13 Sandy Red 1.55 42 6.53

Physical parameter of soil Trace metal mobility depends on soil characteristics including soil pH and texture. Soil texture affects how well nutrients and water are retained in the soil (Marcussen et al., 2009). Hardy et al. (2013) reported that, sandy soils, by nature, have low CEC, and little can be done to change it. The CEC will vary with changes in soil pH, organic matter and clay contents. The data on colour and soil texture of soils are presented in (Table 3), the soils of the sites are classified as red sandy soil in GW irrigated soils used for tomato, fodder grass and sugarcane crops while UWW and TWW irrigated soils were light gray loamy sand and sandy loam, respectively, except UWW irrigated soil used for fodder grass which is black loamy sand. The colour of soils may be due to the organic matter content in UWW and TWW. The bulk density and porosity of soil samples were 1.54 - 1.67 g/cm³ for tomato soil (1.49 - 1.64 g/cm³) for fodder grass and (1.55 - 1.65 g/cm³) for sugarcane. Porosity of soils samples for tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane were 37-42%, 38 - 44% and 38 - 42% respectively. These results are in conformity with the findings of Tunc and Sahin (2015), who through their study on soil physical properties like (bulk density, particle density, total porosity) observed that these are affected significantly from wastewater irrigation to cauliflower and red cabbage planting. Mollahoseini (2013) observed that use of untreated wastewater increased bulk density of top soil significantly (p<0.05). Several studies have shown that wastewater irrigated soils have higher aggregate stability and porosity and lower bulk density compared to freshwater irrigated soils (Mojiri, 2011; Mojid and Wyseure 2013; Vogeler, 2009). Nadav et al. (2013) indicated that lower bulk density was obtained under wastewater irrigation conditions. The suspended solids in wastewater negatively affect soil porosity. Kumar and

Chopra (2013), revealed that, insignificant changes in bulk density of the soil were observed after irrigation with paper mill effluent. Kumar and Chopra (2011) found that the effluent of the Doon distillery Dehradun (Uttarakhand) increased bulk density of soil. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) was higher with UWW and TWW as compared to control GW in soils of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane. The values of CEC for UWW, TWW and GW irrigated soils were16.27, 13.76 and 5.12 Meq/100g for tomato, 12.49, 11.33 and 8.22 Meq/100g for Napier grass and13.93, 10.51 and 6.53 Meq/100g for sugarcane, respectively. From the data in Table 4.2 it is clear that, the CEC concentration in soils irrigated with wastewater was more as compared with ground water. The sandy soil has a good permeability and a low CEC (few exchange sites), retains less water and naturally loses water as well as soluble salts from the root zone (Kallel et al. 2012). A low CEC means the soil has a low resistance to changes in soil chemistry that are caused by land use (Hazelton and Murphy, 2007). Khurana and Singh (2012) reported that, field application of all types of wastewaters significantly increased soil cation exchange capacity (CEC). Astera (2014) reveled that; no clear effect could be established about wastewater irrigation on CEC. Effect of wastewater irrigation on growth and yield characters of tomato The effect of wastewater irrigation on growth and yield parameters of tomato has been given in Figures 1 and 2 which include plant height, number of fruits/plant, dry biomass (g)/plant, fruit mean weight and number of branches/plant. From the Figure 1 it is evident that the plant height, number of fruits/plant and dry biomass g/plant were 78.46 cm, 45.88 and 15.49 g/plant in UWW and 75.13 cm, 41.48 and 14.42 g/plant in TWW sites. Whereas in control ground water GW the corresponding


Alghobar et al. 073

Figure 1. Plant height, number of fruits/plant and dry biomass g/plant of tomato irrigated

with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater.

Figure 2. Fruit mean weight and number of branches/plant of tomato irrigated with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater.

figures were 61.83 cm, 36.67 and 10.61 g/plant. The increase in UWW and TWW may be due to nutrient enrichment in the irrigated wastewater. Fruit mean weight and number of branches/plant of tomato are presented in Figures 2 Fruit mean weight of tomato was not significantly influenced by irrigation with wastewater. But number of branches/plant increased significantly with wastewater irrigation and they were 11.41, 10.28 and 8.66 for UWW, TWW and GW, respectively. Results revealed that UWW and TWW irrigation always gave the highest growth and yield, compared to ground

water (GW). Similar effects on growth and yield parameters by wastewater irrigation were observed in tomato crop by Gatta et al. (2015). Christou et al. (2014) revealed that the wastewater irrigation did not significantly affect mean fruit weight and fruit diameter of tomato, as compared to control fresh water irrigation. Bedbabis et al. (2015) found that wastewater irrigation of olive trees resulted in significant yield increase when compared to yields from plot using well water. Qaryouti et al. (2015) concluded that, raw wastewater irrigation increased significantly tomato crop parameters,



Figure 3. Plant height, Number of leaves/plant and Leaf length of Napier grass irrigated with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater.

Figure 4. Leaf width, Number of tiller/plant and dry weight of Napier grass irrigated with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater.

cucumber plant height and fruit yield and average fruit weight, and tomato leaf area and plant dry weight. Jiu-sheng et al. (2012) evaluated and found that, chlorine injection intervals and concentrations, and their interactions, had no significant difference on tomato plant height and leaf area of tomato when irrigated by wastewater effluent is applied through drip irrigation system. Abdoulkader et al. (2015) determined the use of untreated wastewater and treated wastewater in irrigation which significantly increased stem height and dry matter of Panicum maximum compared to other treatments, whereas irrigation with saline well water and well gave lowest measured values. Osman et al. (2006) showed that, irrigation of plants by untreated or treated wastewater caused stimulation in the measured growth

parameters of Zea mays and Phaseolus vulgaris. On the other side, there was a slight inhibitory effect of wastewater on some measured growth parameters of plants. Bourazanisa et al. (2015) observed that application of treated wastewater slightly increased fruit production during the year of high tree yield and increased the oil content, during the year of low yield under fresh water irrigation. Effect of wastewater on growth and yield characters of Napier grass The effect of wastewater irrigation on growth and yield parameters of Napier grass has been presented in Figures 3 and 4, which include plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf width, number of tiller/plant


Alghobar et al. 075

Figure 5. Cane length, Number of nodes/cane and Number of leaves of sugarcane irrigated with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater

and dry weight. From the (Figure 3) it is revealed that the plant height, number of leaves/plant and leaf length were 188.46 cm, 83.62 and 93.62 cm in UWW and 182.68 cm, 69.75 and 88.67cm in TWW and these are significantly higher as compared to control ground water which has reached the values as 173.69 cm, 52.50 and 81.78 cm. This may be due to nutrient enrichment in the irrigated wastewater. Leaf width, number of tiller/plant and dry weight of Napier grass are shown in (Figure 4) Leaf width of Napier grass were significantly influenced by irrigation with wastewater which were 2.52, 2.29 and 1.91 cm for UWW, TWW and GW respectively. Number of tiller/plant for UWW, TWW and GW were 13.2, 10.39 and 7.99 respectively. Whereas, dry weight of Napier grass increased significantly with wastewater irrigation which was 186.76 and 163.3 g/plant, for UWW and TWW, as compared to control treatment (GW) (142.6 g/plant). Results revealed that UWW and TWW irrigation of Napier grass always gave higher growth and yield, as compared to ground water (GW). The values for growth and yield parameters of Napier grass irrigated with wastewater reported in this study were higher than those reported by Munir et al. (2005) who obtained high yields of forage crops such as corn and vetch by wastewater irrigation and recommended for successful use to irrigate and enhance growth of forage crops. Nissim et al. (2015), showed that, irrigation with wastewater had a positive effect on willow growth and biomass yield. Jiménez et al. (1999) concluded that, reuse wastewater increased significantly crop productivity to five crops/year of alfalfa, fodder oats, tomato, barley and maize and the yield was higher than those obtained

with rain. According to El Youssfi et al. (2012) studied the effect of wastewater irrigation on three varieties of quinoa. The salinity caused the depression of plant's height, and reduced fresh and dry weights of different parts of three varieties of plants tested. Golchin et al. (2013) indicated that use of wastewater could improve morphological characters, yield and yield components of alfalfa as compared to control treatment. Increasing wastewater concentration more than 45 % caused poisoning effects on plants which decreased biological yield. Gupta et al. (2015) irrigated with wastewater which resulted in significant increase in plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, leaf to stem (green and dry) biomass and green fodder yield of fodder sorghum and significant decrease in dry matter content as compared to well water. Zema et al. (2012) investigated the biomass yield of T. latifolia which increased by irrigation with wastewater, while A. donax showed greatest capacity to survive after transplanting. Herbaceous crops irrigated with wastewater can produce appreciable biomass and energy yields. Effect of wastewater on growth and yield characters of sugarcane The effect of wastewater irrigation on growth and yield parameters of sugarcane are given in Figures 5 and 6, which include cane length, number of nodes/cane, number of leaves, cane diameter and cane weight. From Figure 5 it is revealed that the cane length, number of nodes/cane and number of leaves are 191.86 cm, 22.48 and 39.3 in UWW and 149.4 cm, 20.54 and 27.53 in



Figure 6. Cane diameter and cane weight of sugarcane irrigated with untreated, treated wastewater and groundwater.

TWW and with respect to control ground water (GW) it is 168.42 cm, 18.7 and 22.64 this may be due to nutrient enrichment in the irrigated wastewater. Cane diameter and cane weight of Cane diameter (Figures 6) was significantly influenced by irrigation with wastewater and the values were 2.30, 2.22 and 2.01 cm for UWW, TWW and GW respectively. Also cane weight showed highly significant difference for UWW, TWW and GW the values were 884.2, 723.34 and 654.78g respectively. Results also revealed that UWW and TWW irrigated sugarcane gave highest growth and yield for UWW and TWW parameters, as compared to ground water (GW). The results of growth and yield parameter values for sugarcane crop irrigated with wastewater are closely in accordance with the findings of by Biswas et al. (2015) who assessed the average plant height and average number of leaves of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L cv. Surma) cultivated by irrigation with wastewater which were statistically identical to the control fresh water. Ahmed et al. (2011) noted that, use of wastewater in sugar beet irrigation led to increase in dry matter content. Jun et al., (2015), irrigated olive trees with treated wastewater and tap water. Plant growth was similar irrespective of irrigation source as indicated by trunk diameter and plant height. Ghorab and Safaa (2011) investigated the effect of different irrigation by treatments by wastewater which gave high growth parameter and total dry weight in three shrubs and seven timber tree seedlings. According to Paliwal et al. (1998), wastewater irrigation significantly influenced growth performance of Hardwickia binata. Shoot length, root length and root collar diameter of H. binata seedlings increased by 25, 50 and 75% as the result of use of wastewater in different

treatments. The fresh weight of stem, root and leaves increased with increase in the sewage water concentration. The dry weight of plant components increased in lower concentrations of wastewater (25 and 50%) but decreased in 100% of wastewater concentration. Ntzala et al. (2015) found that the treated wastewater affected significantly the dry matter yield and non-significantly the plant height on Lactuca sativa L. crop. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed the effects of irrigation with wastewater on growth and yield of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane crops as compared to control grown crops. From the above mentioned results, it can be seen that, the effect of wastewater irrigation on growth and yield parameters of tomato, it is observed that the plant height, number of fruits/plant and dry biomass g/plant this may be due to nutrient enrichment in wastewater irrigation. Mean fruit weight of tomato was not significantly influenced by wastewater irrigation. While number of branches/plant increased significantly with wastewater irrigation. From growth and yield parameters of Napier grass it revealed that UWW and TWW irrigation of Napier grass gave higher growth and yield, compared to groundwater irrigation. In Napier grass plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf width, number of tillers/plant and dry weight, were significantly higher with UWW and TWW irrigation as compared to that of groundwater. Results from sugarcane crops showed that UWW and TWW irrigated sugarcane gave higher growth


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Accepted 28 June, 2016.

Citation: Alghobar MA, Suresha S (2016). Growth and yield of tomato, Napier grass and sugarcane crops as influenced by wastewater irrigation in Mysore, Karnataka, India. World Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 3(1): 069-079.

Copyright: © 2016 Alghobar and Suresha. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are cited.






growth and yield of tomato, napier grass and sugarcane

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