Abstract
Nutrients deficiency in soil suppresses crop growth, yield and nutritional value of the products. Textile effluent, a rich source of several essential minerals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, etc.) required for the plant growth, could be a vital option to supplement minerals to accomplish the nutrient availability of soil. Although presence of some toxic metals and organic compound restrict its use as irrigation water, its controlled use as fertilizer was not studied so far. This study was undertaken to assess the eco-friendly utilization method of textile industry effluent by applying the same into chilli (Capsicum annum L.) cropping system for its suitability and potentiality as macro and micronutrient supplement. Result of the experiment showed no inhibitory effect of textile effluent on seed germination, while its fertilization as soil drench worked as nutrient supplement for growth in chilli cultivars. Textile effluent fertilization enhances plant biomass up to 124.47% and 110.85% in chilli cultivar GVC-101 and GVC-121, respectively. Total carbohydrate and foliar protein was also favoured by effluent fertilization. Lower RSR and least proline accumulation suggested reduced stress due to textile effluent fertilization. Study concluded that the lower dose of textile effluent fertilization can function as nutrient supplement with chilli cultivars and 20% (v/v) dilution provide most favourable results.
Effects of Textile Effluent Fertilization on Germination, Growth and Metabolites of Chilli (Capsicum annum) Cultivars
