Evaluating secondary treated wastewater irrigation integrated with organic and inorganic nutrients for enhanced green fodder production in BAJRA NAPIER hybrid grass CO (BN)5: A study from Orathanadu, Cauvery Delta, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of secondary treated municipal wastewater (TWW), integrated with organic and inorganic nutrient sources, on the yield and nutritional quality of Bajra Napier hybrid grass (cv. CO(BN)5). A field experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2021 in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, using a strip plot design with four replications. Treatments consisted of five irrigation ratios combining TWW and groundwater, and four nutrient combinations of manure and NPK fertilizer. Results indicated that irrigation with TWW combined with fertilizers significantly increased total green and dry fodder yields. The highest green fodder yield (431.0 t ha?¹ yr?¹) and dry fodder yield (76.7 t ha?¹ yr?¹) were recorded in the treatment combining exclusive TWW irrigation with 100% inorganic nutrients (H5V1). This treatment also yielded the highest crude protein (13.53%) and the lowest crude fibre (28.03%) content. In contrast, the control treatment, which used groundwater irrigation without nutrient application, produced the lowest green and dry fodder yields (222.5 and 47.6 t ha?¹ yr?¹, respectively). The findings demonstrate that integrating secondary treated wastewater with recommended nutrient applications is an effective strategy for enhancing both the yield and quality of Bajra Napier hybrid grass. This practice offers a sustainable approach to conserve groundwater resources while productively utilizing the nutrients present in wastewater for fodder cultivation.