International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies
Volume 5, Issue 1, 2025
Effect of Fish Pond Effluent on Soil Microbial Population and Maize Zea mays L. Growth
Author(s): Oriakpono Iris O, Pokubo Tamunoye B, Oriakpono Obemeata E
Abstract:
Fish pond effluent is discharged untreated into the soil thereby producing objectionable odour and flies’ infestations. However, the effluent has been known to contain organic and inorganic nutrients and microorganisms which may promote crops growth and productivity, therefore this work was conducted to evaluate the response of microbial population and maize growth using fish pond effluent. The microbial counts of the soil samples, chemical properties and growth characteristics of the maize crop were obtained. It was observed that the microbial population of the fish effluent samples increased from 3.9×10³ to 3.8×10? while that of the tap water increased from 3.5×10³ to 4.0×10?. The diversity of bacteria species identified includes: E coli, Citrobacter sp, Streptococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Proteus sp. for both treatments as opposed to the Pseudomonas sp. and E. Coli initially observed in the fish effluent sample and E. coli, Citro bacter sp. and Streptococcus sp. which were observed in the initial Tap water sample. The maize crop grown on the effluent-receiving soil had better growth characteristics than those planted on the pipe borne water (unpolluted) soil with plant height with means of 41.3, 58.8 and 83.3 in (2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks) respectively, which differ significantly from that of tap water 38.3, 51.9 and 72.0 recorded bi-weekly. This study showed that the fish pond effluent had positive effect on the soil microbial populations and enhanced the growth of maize crop, therefore, its use in agriculture to enhance soil fertility and crop growth is advocated.
Keywords: Fish, Maize, Growth, Pond Effluent, Pollution
Pages: 111-115
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