EFFECT OF SEWAGE WATER IRRIGATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BIOMASS AND NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN MAIZE AND BARLEY

The effects of different concentrations of sewage water (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) on soil chemical properties and growth performance, biomass and nutrient accumulation of maize (Zea mays) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) crops grown under nursery conditions were examined for couple successive seasons. The study conducted according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Maximum growth was observed in the 50, 75 and 100% concentration of sewage water application. Biomass (g/plant) and plant height (cm) and dry weight (g/plant) of the maize and barley seedlings treated with sewage water (50%) showed a significant increase over the control. The electrical conductivity of soil increases with an increase in the concentration of sewage for both seasons. It increased significantly at the concentration of 100% as compared to the control treatment. Soil interaction value remains close to the equivalence point and does not significantly affected. At the 75 and 100% concentration of sewage water, the accumulation of heavy metals increases. However, all these metals are within the permitted natural limits and do not reach the critical or toxic limits that cause soil and plant pollution.