EFFECT OF HUMAN FECAL SLUDGE AND SEWAGE SLUDGE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays)

H.M. PUSHPA¹*, C.T. SUBBARAYAPPA², C.A. SRINIVASAMURTHY³, V.R. RAMAKRISHNA PARAMA⁴, J. VENKATE GOWDA^5
1Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, 560065
²Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, 560065
³Director of Research, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur 795004
⁴Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, 560065
⁵Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, 560065
* Corresponding Author : pushpahm33@gmail.com

Received : 30-11-2015     Accepted : 30-11-2015     Published : 06-12-2016
Volume : 8     Issue : 59       Pages : 3329 - 3332
Int J Agr Sci 8.59 (2016):3329-3332

Keywords : Humanure, Pit toilet sludge, Sewage sludge, Maize
Academic Editor : Dr Ajoy Kumar Singh
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : The authors acknowledge the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore for all the physical support and Arghyam, NGO, Bangalore for financial support
Author Contribution : Pushpa, H.M: Ph.D scholar, involved in conducting experimental research from sowing to harvest, recorded all growth and yield observations, lab analysis, statistical data analysis and paper writing

A field experiment was conducted at F block, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. Farm, Mandya during kharif season of 2014 to study the effect of humanure, pit toilet sludge and sewage sludge application on growth and yield of maize. In the experiment, three fecal sludges as nutrient sources along with three levels of fertilizers (75, 100 and 150 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers) were compared with FYM alone, recommended dose of fertilizer alone and recommended dose of fertilizer along with FYM were evaluated with thirteen treatments, replicated thrice in RCBD design. The results revealed that better growth and higher yield of maize was recorded with higher levels of manure and fertilizer application. Significantly higher plant height ¬¬ (203.65 cm) and number of leaves per plant (14.25) were recorded with 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P and was on par with 150 % P through pit toilet sludge + balance N and K through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and K (189.26 cm and 13.24 respectively) and 150 % P through sewage sludge + balance N and K through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and K (183.23 cm and 12.74 respectively) at 90 DAS (days after sowing). The lower plant height (117.11 cm) and number of leaves per plant (8.19) were recorded in control. Similarly, the test weight (31.50 grams), grain yield (87.52 q ha-1) and stover yield (93.93 q ha-1) recorded were significantly higher in treatment which received 150 % K through humanure + balance N and P through fertilizers to supply 150 % N and P. The increase in grain yield was to the tune of 16.99 %, 34.34% and 88.90 percent over RDF (100 % NPK + FYM), RDF alone and FYM alone treatments. The test weight (27.29 grams), grain yield (38.96 q ha-1) and stover yield (42.55 q ha-1) were lower in absolute control.