Impact of Distillery Spent-Wash on Wheat Crop and Soil Characteristics

Abstract

To assess the comparison of distillery spent-wash with fertilizers, soil samples were collected pre and post-harvesting at various depths. Wheat crop (TJ-83) was planted, and irrigation utilized spent wash mixed with canal water in different proportions: 0% (100% canal water with chemical fertilizer), 10%, 20%, and 30% DSW mixed with canal water. Soil parameters (pH, EC, N, P, K, and SAR) evaluated pre and post-harvesting, alongside DSW parameters (BOD, TDS, COD, TSS, N, Ca, PH, EC, P, K, and Mg) to compare spent wash's impact on soil properties at different depths. Statistical analysis revealed a considerable effect of DSWC on soil parameters. The highest N (0.92%) and pH (8.0) values in soil samples were observed at 30% spent-wash concentration, with maximum EC (0.15mScm-1) and SAR (0.22). Maximum P (4.36 ppm) and K (180 ppm) values were identified at 20% spent-wash concentration. Variance analysis indicated a significant effect of soil depth on parameters of soil post-harvest, with the highest pH (8.0) and P (4.36 ppm) content observed at 12” depth, and the lowest soil N (0.92%) and SAR (1.30) at 6” depth, with maximum K (180 ppm) noted. The analysis also indicated the significant effect of spent-wash concentration on wheat crop growth parameters. In agronomical parameters the highest plant height (72 cm), number of tillers (308), weight of grain per spike (1.373 g), and seed index (24.33g) were observed in wheat crops sown with 30% DSW concentration, followed by 20% and then 10%.