Papers by Md. A R I F U R Rahman
Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2021
Increasing crop yield and fertilizer use efficiency with optimum potassium
(K) addition is essent... more Increasing crop yield and fertilizer use efficiency with optimum potassium
(K) addition is essential for sustainable crop production. With the aim of
establishing a scientific basis of K fertilization on the growth, leaf biomass
yield, K requirement, K use efficiency, and critical leaf K concentration of
Aloe vera, a pot experiment was carried out at farmer’s field with six levels
of K viz. 0, 40, 60, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha1 following completely randomized
design. Yield attributes and leaf yield were significantly influenced by
K application rate and the best results were obtained from the application
of 120 kg K ha1. On an average, application of K increased leaf yield by
105% compared to control. The highest gel weight and economic profit
was obtained from K120. On the other hand, the highest leaf K concentration
and uptake were found with the addition of 160 kg K ha1. The higher
K uptake and yield contributed to the enhanced K use efficiency of Aloe
vera. The correlation results suggest a significant contribution of K on the
growth parameters and increased leaf yield as well. The calculated K
requirement for 80% leaf biomass and the critical leaf K concentration
were 72.5 kg ha1 and 1.29%, respectively.
Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2020
Balanced application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer is important for productive agricultural system... more Balanced application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer is important for productive agricultural systems with a reduced environmental footprint. This study aimed to assess the effect of P on the leaf yield, P use efficiency, P concentration and uptake by Aloe vera. A pot trial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design, with six levels of P applied at 0, 30, 45, 60, 80, and 120 kg ha−1, replicated in triplicate. The results revealed that yield attributes, leaf yield, P concentration and uptake were significantly improved with P application and optimum results were obtained when P was applied at 80 kg ha−1. The addition of P increased leaf yield by 33 to 91% compared to the untreated control. Likewise, the highest numbers of suckers, leaves, fresh and dry gel weight, and profit based on benefit cost ratio was recorded with this treatment. In contrast, the highest P concentration and uptake by the leaf were observed at the highest P treatment rate of 120 kg ha−1. The highest plant height, leaf area and fresh gel weight were responsible for the production of higher leaf yield. The minimum amount of P for 80% leaf biomass production was estimated to be 43.9 kg ha−1 whereas the critical leaf P concentration was 0.62% for Aloe vera cultivation. The result suggests that application of 80 kg P ha−1 could produce economically higher yield of A. vera, and further investigation is now required to validate these results for other soil types under field conditions.
Heliyon, 2020
Sulphur plays a vital role in the formation and biosynthesis of protein, chlorophyll, and few ami... more Sulphur plays a vital role in the formation and biosynthesis of protein, chlorophyll, and few amino acids. To investigate the effect of sulphur fertilizer on leaf biomass yield, critical sulphur concentration, sulphur requirement and uptake by Aloe vera L., a pot experiment was carried out following completely randomized design with six levels of sulphur viz., 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 80 kg ha À1 with three replications. The results of the study revealed that the growth attributes, leaf and gel yield, and sulphur uptake significantly improved with sulphur application and the best results were obtained from the application of 45 kg sulphur ha-1. On average, addition of sulphur enhanced the leaf biomass yield by 47.5% and sulphur use efficiency by 38% compared to control. The effect of sulphur on the growth parameters and their significant and positive correlations with yield signifies the importance of sulphur on the yield and quality of A. vera. The calculated minimum amount of sulphur for 80% leaf biomass production was 21.1 kg sulphur ha-1 with a critical leaf sulphur concentration of 0.23% in A. vera. Moreover, sulphur addition to soil substantially enhanced the economic returns of A. vera. Therefore, addition of 45 kg sulphur ha-1 could be a better option for obtaining higher yield and economic return of A. vera.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research , 2020
Loom-dye effluent discharge has constituted a major environmental threat to the people of Belkuch... more Loom-dye effluent discharge has constituted a major environmental threat to the people of Belkuchi Upazila ofSirajganj District. The present study was conducted to characterize loom-dye effluents and investigate their health implications by the growth analysis of rice and red amaranth seedlings along with a survey study among the individuals associated with loom-dyeing, weaving, and crop farming activities. A total of twenty-eight loom-dye effluent samples were collected for physicochemical characterization; among them, only three loom-dye effluents,i.e. pink, violet, and black dyes, at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were applied as irrigation water to rice and red amaranth. The plant growth experiment was laid out following a completely randomized design with three replicas. Chemical analyses of loom-dye effluents showed the presence of a significant amount of plant nutrients and heavy metals. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were 0.938, 0.046, 0.212, 7.109,0.609, 0.351, and 0.191 mg L−1, respectively. Among the metals, the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Fe, and Mn were above the recommended limit proposed by the irrigation water guideline value. Application of≤25% pink and violet dye effluent and≤10% black dye effluent had significant (p< 0.05) and positive impacts on growth and yield parameters. Heavy metal content in seedlings increased with increasing effluent application rate and crossed the utmost permissible limit at higher concentration. Survey data discovered a moderate knowledge level among the respondents, which might account for the indiscriminate discharge of loom-dye effluent into the surrounding environment. Attitudes, practices, and protective behaviours of the respondents also reflect the caused for long-term pollution through loom-dye effluents. To reduce its negative effects on the health and crop environment, the loom-dye effluents should not be discharged indiscriminately and used for crop irrigation without proper treatment. Furthermore, training programs ought to be introduced to educate the individuals involved in the discharge and subsequent use of loom-dye effluents.
Heliyon, 2020
Aloe vera L. is widely cultivated in many countries due to its importance as an all-purpose herba... more Aloe vera L. is widely cultivated in many countries due to its importance as an all-purpose herbal or medicinal plant. The growth and yield of this plant can be enhanced by application of fertilizer. It is expected that a higher and balanced nutrient supply will result in higher crop production maintaining soil health, which is possible when the applied fertilizers are done in way that is efficient. So, there is a need to understand the amount of applied and type of fertilizer that will give the best output for farmers and to formulate economical market products. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of N fertilizer on leaf yield, its uptake and requirement, critical concentration, use efficiency and economics of Aloe vera L. Plants were grown at six levels of N: 0, 40, 80, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha −1 from urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) following completely randomized design with three replicates under field condition. The highest values of yield and yield attributes and profit based on benefit cost ratio (3.81 for urea and 2.91 for DAP) were obtained with 150 kg N ha −1 (urea) and 100 kg N ha −1 (DAP). Leaf biomass yield increased by 18-128 % in urea-N and 30-139 % in DAP-N fertilized plant over control while DAP > urea by 7.59 %. Sucker production (mean number) was urea-N (4.95 Plant −1) > DAP-N (2.28 Plant −1). Both gel and leaf N concentration and uptake was highest at 200 kg ha −1 for both sources. For 80 % leaf biomass yield, minimum requirement of N was ca 74.90 (urea) and 89.60 kg ha −1 (DAP). Growth and yield parameters to N application exhibited significant and positive correlations. Critical leaf N concentration was ca 0.88% (DAP) and 0.90% (urea) while mean and maximum NUE was 34% and 64 % (urea) and 43% and 69% (DAP), respectively. Farmers can be advised to apply N at the rate of 150 kg ha −1 from urea for producing economically higher yield and better-quality A. vera leaves.
Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University , 2019
Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources which plays a vital role for drinking ... more Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources which plays a vital role for drinking and irrigation usages. Evaluation of groundwater quality determines its suitability for different purposes. An investigation was carried out to evaluate the quality of groundwater for irrigation and drinking usages based on the various water quality parameters. Groundwater samples were collected from forty different sites of Kazipur upazila under the district of Sirajganj during the periods from January 20 to January 28, 2018 maintaining the distance between each of two sites as more than one kilometer. Different physiochemical parameters including pH, EC, TDS, Ca² + , Mg² + , K + , Na + , Mn² + , Fe² + , CO3²ˉ, HCO3ˉ, Clˉ, SO4²ˉ and PO4³ˉ contents were analyzed. The pH values of the groundwater samples were non-problematic for irrigation as well as drinking purposes. The obtained electrical conductivity values of the samples were within the limit of 150.0 to 754.0 µS cm-1. The samples of four sites i.e., Noapara, Meghai bazar, Salabora and Drigidrota were categorized as low salinity and the rests as medium salinity, with low alkalinity hazards. Total dissolved solids varied from 65.0 to 309.0 mg L-1 which categorized the samples as freshwater and non-problematic. All the samples were identified as excellent class based on sodium adsorption ratio (range: 0.12 ~ 0.66). Based on soluble sodium percentages, 97.5% of the samples were classified as excellent. Residual sodium carbonate values (-8.60 ~-1.68) of the samples were suitable for irrigation. Permeability index (range: 14.78 ~ 49.73) categorized half portion of the samples as class-II and remaining as class-I which implied the samples as suitable for irrigation usages. About 10% of samples were medium hard, 70% were hard and rests were very hard in quality. Fe 2+ content ranged from 0.23 to 21.75 mg L-1 with a mean value of 5.29 mg L-1. The detected Fe 2+ content of 14 water samples was above the permissible limit. Mn 2+ concentration (1.58 mg L-1) was considered as hazardous for long-term irrigation purpose in most of the samples because of exceeding the recommended limit (0.20 mg L-1). As per K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , HCO3ˉ, Clˉ, SO4 2 ˉ and PO4 3 ˉ status, all the samples can safely be used for irrigation and drinking purposes. The assessment showed high levels of Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ in groundwater samples that are responsible to make the groundwater unsafe for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University, 2019
Cite this article Rahman, M.A., Rahman, M.S., Mohiuddin, K.M., Chowdhury, M.A.H. and Chowdhury, M... more Cite this article Rahman, M.A., Rahman, M.S., Mohiuddin, K.M., Chowdhury, M.A.H. and Chowdhury, M.A.K. 2019. Germination and seedling growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as affected by varying concentrations of loom-dye effluent. Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University, 17(2): 153-160. Abstract Indiscriminate discharge of industrial effluent has become a serious problem for the agro-ecological environment in most of the areas of Bangladesh. The effects of loom-dye effluents on seed germination and early seedling growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated by conducting an experiment in the laboratory. Three types of loom-dye effluents were applied in sterilized petridishes at different loading ratios. Seven treatments (i.e., T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 with 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% effluent, respectively) of each effluent were used following completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. Subsequently, Pb, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cr accumulation were also investigated in the harvested rice seedlings. Rice seed showed a significant difference in germination percentage with varying levels of effluent application at different days after setting of germination. The decreased seed germination rate and seedling growth of rice were observed with increased concentration of loom-dye effluents. The highest germination speed (97.8%) was obtained from control whereas the lowest germination speeds were obtained from T5 of black, and T6 of both black and violet effluents. Phytotoxic effects of loom-dye effluents on germination and radical length were extreme at 100% effluent concentration having the order of black > violet > pink. The maximum radical length (6.4 cm) and plumule length (7.5 cm) were observed with T1 of pink dye effluent whereas the minimum length of radical and plumule were obtained from T6 treatment of the effluents. The highest fresh weight (39.8 mg petridish-1), dry weight (5.7 mg petridish-1) and seedling vigor index (746.7%) were also observed from T1 of pink dye effluent. The maximum uptake of Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn was 0.48, 3.81, 0.79 and 0.13 μg g −1 , respectively. The uptake of Cr was below the detectable limit. Total heavy metal accumulation in rice was in the following order: Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr. Results showed that the higher concentration of loom-dye effluent showed the higher toxic effects on different parameters of germination and early seedling growth compared with the lower effluent concentrations.
Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University
Plant requires suitable soil for higher yield, quality growth and desired crop productivity that ... more Plant requires suitable soil for higher yield, quality growth and desired crop productivity that differ with soil characteristics, availability of the nutrient elements and overall soil fertility. Aloe vera, a documented medicative plant, is used for numerous medical and cosmetic applications since very beginning of the civilization. An experiment was conducted in Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh to find out the most appropriate soil for A. vera cultivation. Seven types of soils viz., acid, calcareous, non-calcareous, charland, saline, peat and acid sulphate were collected from different locations of Bangladesh. Eighteenth month old Aloe vera seedlings were collected from Shomvogonj, Mymensingh and planted during last week of May, 2017 following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Most of the soils were light grey in colour, acidic to neutral in nature and clay to clay loam in texture except non-calcareous and charland soils. Bulk density, particle density and field capacity ranged from 1.23−1.45 g cm −3 , 2.20−2.58 g cm −3 and 27.07−30.20%, respectively. The ranges of pH, EC and organic matter contents were 3.8 to 7.8, 0.25 to 14.04 dS m −1 and 0.88 to 16.40%, respectively. The organic matter content was found as low to moderate except peat soil. Total N, exchangeable K, available P and S contents ranged from 0.05−0.95%, 0.17−0.73 cmol kg −1 , 3.09−12.10 and 11.06−735.12 µg g −1 soil, respectively. Growth and leaf biomass yield of A. vera was significantly influenced by different soil types. The highest plant height, leaf number, leaf area and leaf fresh weight were recorded from the plant grown in non-calcareous soil whereas maximum fresh gel weight, dry leaf weight and yield increase over acid sulphate soil were found from the plant grown in calcareous soil. The highest fresh leaf gel weight (907 g plant −1) was obtained from the plant grown in calcareous soil which was identical with the gel weight (880 g plant −1) of the plant grown in acid soil. The yield increase of acid, non-calcareous, charland, saline1 (6.32 dS m −1) and saline2 (8.14 dS m −1) soils over acid sulphate soil were 718, 712, 394, 144 and 86%, respectively. The overall performance of the soils in relation to leaf biomass yield was of the following order: calcareous ≥ acid ≥ non-calcareous > charland > saline1 (6.32 dS m −1) > saline2 (8.14 dS m −1) > peat > acid sulphate soil. The results suggest that farmers could be advised to grow A. vera either in calcareous or acid soils of Bangladesh. Since calcareous and non-calcareous soils are mostly used for growing cereals, pulses, cash crop like sugarcane, fruits etc., acid soil could be used for cultivating this important medicinal crop considering the socioeconomic conditions of the country.
Fundamental and Applied Agriculture
Among the industrial chemical wastes, the effluents of loom-dyeing industry
raise great concern ... more Among the industrial chemical wastes, the effluents of loom-dyeing industry
raise great concern in recent times because of their diverse environmental
hazards. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic
effect of different loom-dye effluents on seed germination and early
seedling growth of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the Department of
Agricultural Chemistry of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,
during May to August, 2017. Results revealed that the physico-chemical
parameters of loom-dye effluent such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, iron,
manganese and lead concentrations were relatively higher than the suggested
range. On the other hand, the concentrations of calcium, zinc, copper and
cadmium were relatively lower. Germination experiment of red amaranth
was done in sterilized petridishes containing 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%
concentrations of three different types of untreated loom-dyeing effluents
following completely randomized design. Three replications were used for
each treatment. The germination energy and capacity, growth parameters
like root and shoot length, relative toxicity, seedling vigour and phytotoxicity
on seed germination of red amaranth in response to different loom-dyeing
effluents at various concentrations were also calculated. There was a gradual
lessening in the percentage of seed germination and seedling growth with
increased concentration of effluents. Relative toxicity and phytotoxicity was
extreme at 100% effluent concentration. Different growth parameters such as
root and shoot lengths of seedlings was minimum at 100% and maximum at
5% dye effluent concentration. Overall results indicate that pink dye effluent
was less toxic to the germination and early growth of red amaranth than
violet and black dyes. For most of the growth parameters of red amaranth,
the order of phytotoxicity among the loom-dye effluent was black > violet >
pink.
Sustainable nutrient management with the combination of organic and chemical fertilizer amendment... more Sustainable nutrient management with the combination of organic and chemical fertilizer amendment expects a key part in upgrading stevia yield without harming the environment and to build up the nutrient balance with increasing soil fertility. A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the combined effect of vermicompost (VC) and chemical fertilizer (CF) on the growth, leaf biomass yield and stevioside content of stevia in acid soil. Six combinations of VC and CF were applied following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that VC along with different rates of CF exerted significant influence on the growth, leaf biomass yield and stevioside content of stevia and postharvest soil fertility. The highest values for most of the parameters were found from the plant receiving VC @ 7.5 t ha −1 along with 50% CF. About 578% higher leaf biomass yield was obtained from the treatment VC 7.5 +CF 50 over control. Stevioside content was increased with the increasing levels of VC up to 7.5 t ha −1 along with 75% of CF and also with the advancement of growth period from 30 to 60 days after planting. The highest amount of stevioside (11.05%) was detected in the leaves of plant of the same treatment at harvest. Soil acidity was significantly decreased with the increased levels of VC and CF where as soil fertility in terms of organic matter and nutrient content was increased. Considering the overall performance, farmers may be advised to cultivate stevia in acid soil applying VC @ 7.5 t ha −1 along with 50% chemical fertilizer to boost up stevia production under the agroclimatic condition of the study area in the context of Bangladesh.
AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK and FISHERIES
Stevia Leaf biomass yield PUE P requirement Critical P content Knowledge of phosphorus (P) uptake... more Stevia Leaf biomass yield PUE P requirement Critical P content Knowledge of phosphorus (P) uptake and its use efficiency by crop plants is essential for adequate management of the plant nutrients to sustain food production with a minimal environmental impact. To study the effects of P on the growth, leaf biomass production, P content and uptake and to estimate P use efficiency (PUE), minimum P requirement and critical leaf P content of stevia, a pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University following completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in acid and non-calcareous soils of Bangladesh. The applied treatments was six viz. 0 (P0), 25 (P25), 50 (P50), 75 (P75), 100 (P100) and 150 (P150) kg P ha-1. Plant samples were collected at 15 days interval to obtain different parameters. Collective results indicated that significantly highest values of different parameters were obtained with P @ 100 kg ha-1 and the lowest from P control. Phosphorus application increased leaf dry yield at harvest by 55 to 510% in acid soil and 70 to 488% in non-calcareous soil over control. The rapid growth of the plant was recorded at the later stages (30 to 60 days after planting). Phosphorus content and uptake was directly proportional with the increased levels of P except the treatment P150 in both soils. Maximum PUE and fertilizer P use efficiency (FPUE) was observed at P100 treatment. Critical P content was estimated to be ca 0.19 and 0.30% in the leaves of stevia plants grown in acid and non-calcareous soils, respectively. For maximum leaf biomass production of stevia grown in acid and non-calcareous soils, the minimum requirement of P was also estimated to be ca 109 and 104 kg ha-1 , respectively. The information of this finding would contribute to optimize the soil P use and improve fertilizer management for stevia cultivation. To cite this article: Maniruzzaman M, T Chowdhury, MAH Chowdhury and MA Rahman, 2017. Phosphorus use efficiency and critical P content of stevia grown in acid and non-calcareous soils of Bangladesh. Res. Agric. Livest., Fish., 4 (2): 55-68.
Fundamental and Applied Agriculture
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Papers by Md. A R I F U R Rahman
(K) addition is essential for sustainable crop production. With the aim of
establishing a scientific basis of K fertilization on the growth, leaf biomass
yield, K requirement, K use efficiency, and critical leaf K concentration of
Aloe vera, a pot experiment was carried out at farmer’s field with six levels
of K viz. 0, 40, 60, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha1 following completely randomized
design. Yield attributes and leaf yield were significantly influenced by
K application rate and the best results were obtained from the application
of 120 kg K ha1. On an average, application of K increased leaf yield by
105% compared to control. The highest gel weight and economic profit
was obtained from K120. On the other hand, the highest leaf K concentration
and uptake were found with the addition of 160 kg K ha1. The higher
K uptake and yield contributed to the enhanced K use efficiency of Aloe
vera. The correlation results suggest a significant contribution of K on the
growth parameters and increased leaf yield as well. The calculated K
requirement for 80% leaf biomass and the critical leaf K concentration
were 72.5 kg ha1 and 1.29%, respectively.
raise great concern in recent times because of their diverse environmental
hazards. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic
effect of different loom-dye effluents on seed germination and early
seedling growth of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the Department of
Agricultural Chemistry of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,
during May to August, 2017. Results revealed that the physico-chemical
parameters of loom-dye effluent such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, iron,
manganese and lead concentrations were relatively higher than the suggested
range. On the other hand, the concentrations of calcium, zinc, copper and
cadmium were relatively lower. Germination experiment of red amaranth
was done in sterilized petridishes containing 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%
concentrations of three different types of untreated loom-dyeing effluents
following completely randomized design. Three replications were used for
each treatment. The germination energy and capacity, growth parameters
like root and shoot length, relative toxicity, seedling vigour and phytotoxicity
on seed germination of red amaranth in response to different loom-dyeing
effluents at various concentrations were also calculated. There was a gradual
lessening in the percentage of seed germination and seedling growth with
increased concentration of effluents. Relative toxicity and phytotoxicity was
extreme at 100% effluent concentration. Different growth parameters such as
root and shoot lengths of seedlings was minimum at 100% and maximum at
5% dye effluent concentration. Overall results indicate that pink dye effluent
was less toxic to the germination and early growth of red amaranth than
violet and black dyes. For most of the growth parameters of red amaranth,
the order of phytotoxicity among the loom-dye effluent was black > violet >
pink.
(K) addition is essential for sustainable crop production. With the aim of
establishing a scientific basis of K fertilization on the growth, leaf biomass
yield, K requirement, K use efficiency, and critical leaf K concentration of
Aloe vera, a pot experiment was carried out at farmer’s field with six levels
of K viz. 0, 40, 60, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha1 following completely randomized
design. Yield attributes and leaf yield were significantly influenced by
K application rate and the best results were obtained from the application
of 120 kg K ha1. On an average, application of K increased leaf yield by
105% compared to control. The highest gel weight and economic profit
was obtained from K120. On the other hand, the highest leaf K concentration
and uptake were found with the addition of 160 kg K ha1. The higher
K uptake and yield contributed to the enhanced K use efficiency of Aloe
vera. The correlation results suggest a significant contribution of K on the
growth parameters and increased leaf yield as well. The calculated K
requirement for 80% leaf biomass and the critical leaf K concentration
were 72.5 kg ha1 and 1.29%, respectively.
raise great concern in recent times because of their diverse environmental
hazards. A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic
effect of different loom-dye effluents on seed germination and early
seedling growth of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the Department of
Agricultural Chemistry of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,
during May to August, 2017. Results revealed that the physico-chemical
parameters of loom-dye effluent such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, iron,
manganese and lead concentrations were relatively higher than the suggested
range. On the other hand, the concentrations of calcium, zinc, copper and
cadmium were relatively lower. Germination experiment of red amaranth
was done in sterilized petridishes containing 0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%
concentrations of three different types of untreated loom-dyeing effluents
following completely randomized design. Three replications were used for
each treatment. The germination energy and capacity, growth parameters
like root and shoot length, relative toxicity, seedling vigour and phytotoxicity
on seed germination of red amaranth in response to different loom-dyeing
effluents at various concentrations were also calculated. There was a gradual
lessening in the percentage of seed germination and seedling growth with
increased concentration of effluents. Relative toxicity and phytotoxicity was
extreme at 100% effluent concentration. Different growth parameters such as
root and shoot lengths of seedlings was minimum at 100% and maximum at
5% dye effluent concentration. Overall results indicate that pink dye effluent
was less toxic to the germination and early growth of red amaranth than
violet and black dyes. For most of the growth parameters of red amaranth,
the order of phytotoxicity among the loom-dye effluent was black > violet >
pink.