Influence of irrigation with wastewater of a leaven factory on grain yield and yield components of corn

Abstract In recent decades, water deficit and environmental hazards of wastewater have promoted the development of wastewater reuse in irrigation of agricultural lands in many arid and semi-arid regions. An experiment was conducted out at the experimental farm of a leaven factory (Iran Mayeh Co.), where the effect of treated wastewater was evaluated on yield and yield components of corn (Zea mays) during the growing season of 2012. Three, irrigation levels (I1: irrigation with wastewater once in whole experimental period, I2: irrigation with wastewater twice in whole experimental period, I3: irrigation with wastewater in whole experimental period) and six wastewater percentage levels (C1: 15% wastewater, C2: 30% wastewater, C3: 45% wastewater, C4: 60% wastewater, A: pure water and P: pure wastewater) were studied in a factorial experiment on the bases of randomized complete block design with three replications. Results illustrated that number of irrigations with wastewater did not have significant effect on number of grain per ear, whereas it had significant effect on grain weight per ear, 1000-seeds weight, ear weight and grain yield. Also results showed that wastewater percentage did not have significant effect on mentioned traits. The maximum increase of grain yield was observed in irrigation with wastewater whole over growing season. Results also illustrated that irrigation with wastewater whole over the growth period had the most significant effect on yield components. Therefore, it seems that after assessing the effects of wastewater on soil and environment, the wastewater of this leaven factory can be used in corn irrigation.