Mineral Composition of Maize (Zea mays L) Plant Irrigated with Wastewater and Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract

Abstract

A study was conducted in the screen house at the FAO/TCP teaching and research farm of Adamawa state University, Mubi to assess the effect of wastewater from fish pond and Moringa oleifera leaf extract on the mineral composition of maize plant. Results showed that the concentration of minerals in maize plant were in deficient range for P (0.11-0.12%), Ca (0.12 – 0.22%), Cu (1.65 – 2.55 mg/kg), and Mn (17.5 – 19.0 mg/kg) in all irrigations except K (2.05 – 3.02%) that was in sufficient range. Wastewater irrigation had Mg (0.70%) and Zn (31.93 mg/kg) composition in sufficient range and Fe (45 mg/kg) in deficient range. Moringa leaf extract irrigation had maize plant composition of Fe (66.7 mg/kg) in sufficient range while combined wastewater and Moringa leaf extract irrigation had Mg (0.31%), Fe (51.67 mg/kg) and Zn (33.60 mg/kg) in sufficient range. Irrigating maize plant with wastewater + Moringa leaf extract improved P, K and Zn composition by 9.1, 43.8 and 5.2%, respectively. Regression and correlations analyses indicate that Na concentration in the soil is the element affecting greater number of elements composition in the plant and subsequently the growth characters. Therefore, wastewater from fish pond and Moringa leaf extract irrigation either in combination or separately did not increase the nutrient elements and heavy metals to toxic limits and therefore can be used for irrigation purposes especially maize crop.