ABSTRACT
602In the present study, maize crop was irrigated with well water and domestic waste water, treated through phytorid sewage treatment plant. Recommended NPK dose of fertilizers was applied for maize crop in both the treatments. The use of the treated domestic waste water has showed improvement in the uptake of pollutants by the plants, yields were improved and the nutrient status was also better as compared to the application of well water. The use of the treated domestic waste water showed improvement in the physicochemical properties of the soil, along with the nutrient status as compared to the application of well water. The pH of the soil in treated sewage water was 7.78, whereas, it was 7.93 in well water. Electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (OC) was 0.34 dS m−1 and 5.32 g kg−1, respectively in treated domestic sewage water whereas they were 0.28 dS m−1 and 5.24 g kg−1, respectively in well water. NPK were 268.4, 16.99 and 440.1 kg ha−1, respectively in treated domestic waste water, while 266.5, 16.36 to 434.0 kg ha−1, respectively in well water. The physical properties of the soil like bulk density (BD) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (sHC) observed 1.34 Mg m−3 and 1.50 cm hr−1, respectively in treated domestic waste water and 1.35 Mg m−3 and 1.52 cm hr−1, respectively in well water. The content of micronutrients and heavy metals in soil due to irrigation of treated domestic waste water were well below the safe limits in soil. The findings give applicable advice to commercial farmers and agricultural researchers for proper management and use of domestic waste water for agricultural purpose.
