Consequences of Magnetized Water Application on Maize Seed Emergence in Sand Culture

Authors
S. Mahmood 1
M. Usman 2
1 Center of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering (CEWRE), University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
2 Techno Engineering Services Pak-Arabia, (TES PAK) Faisalabad, Pakistan
Abstract
Present study examines whether there is any beneficial effect of magnetized water application on seedling emergence of maize seeds. Water from various sources like tap water, saline water (1,500 ppm), canal water, and sewerage water was treated magnetically by passing it through 235 mT magnetic fields at 3 lpm flow rate. Seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours and planted in sand culture. Number of seedling emerged were counted on daily basis while growth data was measured 15 days after planting. Emergence indicators like Emergence Index (EI), Emergence Rate Index (ERI) and Mean Emergence Time (MET) were used to evaluate the germination of maize seed. Results of the present study revealed that application of magnetized water promoted the germination of maize seeds. Emergence index and emergence rate index values increased from 5.50 to 8.92 and 10.06 to 12.84 and the mean emergence time was reduced 17.90% for magnetized sewerage water in contrast to non-magnetized. Magnetized water treatment showed faster and heavier growth in all water types. Overall, the maximum increase in length and weight of emerged seedlings was noted with magnetized sewerage water. Since the results are based on limited laboratory scale study, further testing of magnetized water application in irrigated environment is suggested before making any concrete recommendations.

Keywords

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 16, Issue 1
January and February 2014
Pages 47-55