Influence of irrigation with wastewater of a leaven factory on yield and quality 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 on grain yield and quality of corn (Zea mays) was evaluated 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 irrigation with wastewater did not have significant effect on protein content, oil content of grains and leaf chlorophyll whereas it had significant effect on 1000-seeds weight, grain yield and harvest index. 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 growth season. Highest level of oil content was obtained from irrigation with wastewater once in whole experimental period × 60% wastewater treatment. Therefore, it seems that after assessing the effects on soil and environment, the wastewater of this leaven factory can be used in corn irrigation.