Impact of rubber effluent on some chemical properties of an ultisol and early growth of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

A preliminary pot trial was conducted in a greenhouse to determine the influence of rubber effluent on some chemical properties of an Ultisol and growth and nutrient uptake of maize ( Zea mays L). Results of chemical analysis of the effluent indicated that it  contains N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn. It was observed that the effluent was pungent in odour and colourless. At the end of the trial, soil pH, N, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, ECEC as well as exchangeable acidity were raised compared to the control.  The P and %C were, however, reduced.  The N and P content of maize increased with increased effluent concentration up to 0.12% while the cations as well as trace elements in maize were not consistent in the trial.  The N, P, Ca, K, Mn and Zn uptake were higher at 0.12% effluent concentration while Mg uptake was higher at 0.20% effluent concentration. Fe uptake was higher at 0.08% concentration.  There was no significant difference among treatments in germination studies.  All the treatments were not significantly different from one another in all the growth parameters two weeks after sowing.  At final harvest, plant height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves obtained from pots amended with 0.12% effluent concentration was significantly better than those from other treatments.