Influence of sugar mill effluent on physico-chemical characteristics of soil at Haridwar (Uttarakhand), India

The influence of seven rates of Sugar mill effluent (viz. 0, 5, 10 25, 50, 75 and 100 ml/kg soil) along with control (Bore-well water, BWW) on the physical and chemical properties of soils revealed that among various concentrations of the effluents, the irrigation with 100% effluent concentration decreased moisture content (20.44%),WHC (13.80%), BD (4.14%) and increased pH (9.56%), EC (64.28%), ECEC (149.25%), Cl (194.71%), OC (3228.89%), HCO 3 (22.34%), CO 3 -2 (29.38%), Na (185.48%), K (53.40%), Ca (1262.24%), Mg (1818.24%), TKN (1206.36%), NO 3 2(80.87%), PO 4 3(236.04%), SO 4 2(72.08%), Fe (234.34%), Zn (317.72%), Cd (404.35%),Cu (374.90%), Pb (645.71%) and Cr (1024.80%) in the soil when compared to control. There was a significant (P<0.001) effect on EC, pH, Cl, OC, HCO 3 , CO 3 , Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, TKN, NO 3 , PO 4 3and SO 4 , Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb and insignificant (P>0.05) effect on moisture content, WHC and bulk density after sugar mill effluent irrigation when compared to control. There was no momentous change in the soil texture of the soil. The enrichment factor (Ef) of various micronutrients in the soil was recorded in order of Cr>Pb>Cd>Cu>Zn after irrigation with sugar mill effluent.