oa Effect Of Sewage Sludge Application And Method Of Seeding On The Yield Of Barley Using Surface And Sprinkler Irrigation

Arid regions in the world occupy about one quarter of the land surface area. In such regions, satisfactory crop production is impossible without irrigation because of irregular, sporadic and unpredictable rainfall leading to water shortage subsequently supplemental irrigation is a must for reasonable yield. Soil in these regions has poor physical and chemical properties. Since sludge is a source for organic matter and contains many essential nutrients for plant it can be used in these areas to improve soil physical condition and fertility status of such soil. On the other hand a proper irrigation system with proper seeding method will lead to maximum yield. The objectives of current research are to compare the effects of two irrigation systems (sprinkler and surface) on the yield of barley crop in sludge amended arid soil with different sewage sludge rates and to compare the effects of traditional and modern method of seeding. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment was split plot in randomized complete block design and consisted of two irrigation methods (surface and sprinkler) with four replications. The split plot treatment were two seeding methods the row seeding to a depth of 5 cm and in pre-established furrows of 35 cm depth (5 cm below the bottom of the furrow). Sludge was added at a rate of 30 ton/ha. Results indicated that furrow seeded under diked end surface irrigation treatment produced significantly the highest barley yield because it increases water storage by increasing the infiltration opportunity time. Also the furrows worked as water catchments which reduced run-off. The second experiment was randomized complete block design with four replications. Sludge was added at four different rates (0, 10, 30 and 60 ton/ha). Barley was planted using diked furrow seeding and irrigated by sprinklers. The highest significant barley yield was at 30 ton sludge/ha treatment. The significant increase in barley yield due to sludge is attributed to the increase of soil fertility status by sludge addition as well as to the improvement of soil chemical and physical properties. Using furrow seeding with diked surface irrigation in crusted soils increased barley yield significantly owing to the increase in soil water availability and controlling salinity in the root zone through leaching that affected the yield.