Effect of detergent-laden water on the growth of corn

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of two detergents on the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) when the detergent was individually applied to Davidson clay loam and Norfolk fine sandy loam. The detergents used were a heavy-duty non-enzyme detergent (Bz) and a heavy-duty enzyme detergent (Tx). These were applied in irrigation water at concentrations of 0, 20, 800, 1600, 4800, 8000, 10,000, 12,000, and 14,000 ppm.

Stimulations in growth occurred on the Davidson soil that received 1600 ppm Bz and 800, 1600, 4800, and 8000 ppm Tx, and on the Norfolk soil that received 800 ppm Tx. These stimulations were attributed to responses to phosphorus contained in the detergents.

Abnormal growth characteristics were observed on many treatments, and yield decreases were noted on the Davidson soil that received 8000, 10,000, 12,000, and 14,000 ppm Bz and 14,000 ppm Tx. Regression analyses showed that the detrimental effects on plant yields were due to soluble salt damages caused by the sodium in the detergents on all treatments except where Tx was applied to the Norfolk soil. In the latter case, specific sodium effects could not be separated from general salinity effects. Detergent Bz was more detrimental to plant growth than Tx. Plants grown on the Davidson soil were more tolerant to detergent applications than those grown on the Norfolk soil, probably because of the larger cation exchange capacity and higher magnesium content of the Davidson soil.