Impact of Sewage on Seed Germination and Growth of Kharif and Rabi Crops

Abstract

Wastewater is an effective source for irrigation of crop. Sewage generated from a hostel of Thapar University campus, Patiala was used for growing Kharif crops (Lady Finger & Pearl millet) and Rabi crops (Wheat, Fenugreek, Mustard & Cluster bean) for 35 days in plastic cups at laboratory scale. When sewage was applied at 50%, 100% individually, the dilution of 50% supported better growth of crops. Both sewage and soil used showed absence of metal constituents and hence non-possibility of their accumulation in the grown crops. Germination period of crop was observed and it was found different from crop to crop, four days in Lady finger as against eight days in Fenugreek. The biomass was higher in Kharif crops than was in Rabi crops. Composition of soil was estimated and it was found that the nutrients (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) had enriched the treated soil besides aiding the growth of crop. The study was found promising suggesting that the sewage could be used as an irrigating medium for crops. However, several growth parameters are to be optimized before sewage is tried for application at commercial scale.