Urban wastewater – A potential irrigation source for summer paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in India
An attempt has been made to study the impact of urban wastewater irrigation on summer paddy productivity, varietal response and soil properties. Paddy and soil samples were collected from selected peri-urban villages of Bhubaneswar, India, from fields receiving contrast irrigation sources (urban wastewater and river water) under similar agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Major plant nutrients content were higher in wastewater irrigated soils, whereas pH was lower. Wastewater irrigation increased grain and straw yield. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cr, Mn and Cu were higher in soil, grains and straw of paddy when irrigated with wastewater.