Impact of pulp and paper mill effluent on soil nutrient dynamics in Ludhiana, Punjab

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of different irrigation treatments and fertilizer combinations on soil properties at Shreyans Industries Limited, Ludhiana, Punjab. Split - plot design was employed and the treatments involved varying proportions of pulp and
paper mill effluent (E) and ground water (GW) (ranging from 100% E to 100% GW) as I1: 100% (E), I2: 90% (E) + 10% (GW), I3: 80% (E) + 20% (GW), I4: 70% (E) + 30% (GW), I5: 60% (E) + 40% (GW) and I6: 50% (E) + 50% (GW)in main plot and four fertilizer treatments: Control (No fertilizers) (F1), 100% FYM (F2), 100% NPK (F3), and 50% NPK + 50% FYM (F4) under sub-plot. The results indicated that soil pH remained slightly alkaline across all treatments with minimal fluctuations, while electrical conductivity (EC) values suggested low to moderate salinity levels. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content varied significantly, with the highest values observed under treatments with 60% effluent + 40% ground water (I5) and 100% ground water (I7). This combination also showed the most significant improvements in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, indicating enhanced nutrient availability compared to other treatments. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated nutrient management, showing that effluent irrigation combined with organic-inorganic fertilizers can significantly improve soil fertility and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Irrigation with a 60% pulp and paper mill effluent and 40% ground water mix optimized soil organic carbon and nutrient levels, while maintaining stable pH and EC, suggesting it as the most effective treatment for improving soil fertility and plant growth. This study highlights the potential of using effluent in sustainable agricultural practices, offering valuable insights into optimizing irrigation strategies with minimal environmental impact.