Dynamics of Soil Microbial Population and Enzymes Activities under Distillery Spentwash Irrigation

Abstract

Spentwash is a rich source of organic matter and nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and sulphur. The effect of different levels and methods of spentwash application on soil enzymatic activity was examined through a field experiment. The field experiment was conducted using Sesame VRI (Sv) 2 as a test crop at Research and Development Farm, The Sakthi Sugars Pvt. Ltd., Appakkudal, Erode District. The experiment was formulated with six treatments with four replications, laid out in Randomised Block design. As per the treatment schedule the calculated quantity of biomethanated distillery spentwash for pre-sown application was uniformly applied to the plots before sowing viz., 25, 50, 75,100% along with recommended dose of NP for four treatments viz., 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and Recommended dose NPK was treated as one treatment (control).The soil samples were collected at 30 days intervals and analysed for the changes in soil microbial population and enzyme activities. The results of the study showed that the microbial population and enzymatic activities of the soil were substantially increased throughout the crop growth period due to biomethanated distillery spentwash application.