Effect of application of distillery-effluent on maize (Zea mays) crop and soil properties

An experiment was conducted during 1993-95 to utilize distillery effluents having biological oxygen demand of 4 620 mg/litre for pre-sowing irrigation. This effluent was applied as pre-sowing irrigation on maize (Zea mays L.) and its effect on growth and soil properties was monitored. Twelve pre-sowing irrigations with effluent of 4 620 mg/litre biological oxygen demand had no adverse effect on the germination of maize but improved the growth and yield. The pH and electrical conductivity of the soil slightly increased, whereas the soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content increased significantly with increase in the number of pre-sowing effluent irrigations. At the same time the infiltration rate and the bulk density of soil were considerably reduced.