Impact of combined effluents on growth and yield of wheat crop in Samba (J&K)

The study area consists of a Reference site and two Polluted sites which are distinguished by virtue of the nature of combined effluent received by wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in the agricultural fields. All the growth and yield parameters viz; Average spike weight per plant, Average number of grains per spike, Average weight of grains per spike, Average shoot length, Average biomass per plant with spike and Average weight per grain of wheat at Polluted site II exhibited increase in comparison to the Reference site while Average spike weight per plant, Average number of grains per spike and Average weight of grains per spike at Polluted site I exhibited a decrease in comparison to the Reference site. This is attributed to the fact that at Polluted site II there is direct mixing of combined effluent into the irrigation canal leading to dilution of combined effluent which is used for irrigating the agricultural fields whereas at Polluted site I there is lateral seepage of combined effluents from the drain carrying effluents into the agricultural fields. Hence, combined effluent in diluted form is showing stimulatory effect on wheat and vice-versa.