Synergistic Effects of Treated Wastewater Irrigation and Nutrient Management on Fodder Yield of Bajra Napier Hybrid Grass in the Cauvery Delta Zone

Author: Senthilkumar D. and N. Thavaprakaash

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Abstract

The research conducted in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta from 2018 to 2021 investigated the combined effects of treated wastewater irrigation and various organic and inorganic nutrient management strategies on the productivity of Bajra Napier hybrid grass (CO(BN) 5). Using a strip plot design, the study evaluated five irrigation regimes and four nutrient treatment practices to determine their impact on green and dry fodder yields. The results revealed that the combination of treated wastewater irrigation with 100% inorganic nutrients (I5N1) produced the highest green fodder yield of 431.1 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and dry fodder yield of 76.72 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ when applied with 100% recommended nutrients. These findings have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and livestock management in regions facing water scarcity and nutrient deficiency challenges. By demonstrating the effectiveness of treated wastewater irrigation in conjunction with appropriate nutrient management, the study highlights a promising approach to enhance fodder production while conserving freshwater resources

Keywords

Bajra Napier Hybrid, Treated wastewater irrigation, Green Fodder yield, Dry fodder Yields

Conclusion

The green and dry fodder yields of Bajra Napier hybrid grass were significantly and positively influenced by the application of secondary treated sewage water and nutrient management. The irrigation treatment using treated sewage water alone (I₅) produced a higher quantity of green and dry fodder across all cuttings compared to other irrigation strategies. Among nutrient treatments, the application of 100% recommended nutrients (N₁) resulted in higher yields. The synergistic use of 100% recommended nutrients with treated sewage water irrigation (I₅N₁) yielded the best results, leading to a 48.4% increase in total green fodder yield and a 37.9% increase in total dry fodder yield over two years. This study confirms that integrating treated wastewater for irrigation is a viable strategy to boost fodder production and address water scarcity in agriculture. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of treated wastewater irrigation on soil physicochemical properties and the accumulation of heavy metals or other contaminants in Bajra Napier hybrid grass, ensuring fodder safety for livestock and human health. Further investigation into the economic viability and farmer adoption rates of these integrated water and nutrient management practices would also be beneficial. Additionally, studies could evaluate the effects of such practices on crude protein content, digestibility, and overall nutritional quality of the fodder, providing a more comprehensive assessment for livestock feeding. Exploring different wastewater treatment levels and their specific effects on crop performance and soil health could also yield valuable insights

References

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How to cite this article

Senthilkumar D. and N. Thavaprakaash (2025). Synergistic Effects of Treated Wastewater Irrigation and Nutrient Management on Fodder Yield of Bajra Napier Hybrid Grass in the Cauvery Delta Zone. Biological Forum, 17(3): 108-112