Biological Implications of Cassava Waste Peels on the Physico-Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Maize Seedlings.

Background & Aims: The beneficial effect of cassava processing effluents and solid waste materials on plants is generating scientific interest in researches, and this issue continues to draw significant attention specifically in maize plant. Therefore this study is focused on the biological implications of cassava waste peels on the physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of maize seeds. Materials & Methods: Maize seedlings (Zea mays) were purchased from uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. The seedlings were sorted, cleaned and tested for viability using the method of floatation. The soil samples for planting the maize were collected from five (۵) different points (A, B, C, D and E) close to a local cassava mill. The maize plants were grown for four weeks and subjected to the same atmospheric condition in the green house located in the premises. Laboratory analysis of the growth parameters, biomass activities, soil profile and antioxidant properties were carried out each week for a period of four (۴) weeks on the growing maize plants of the various soil samples. Results: Results obtained recorded significant changes (p>۰.۰۵) in the growth parameters, biomass activities, soil analysis and antioxidant properties between the various groups during a period of four (۴) weeks. Conclusion: It is believed that the effluent from cassava processing site/plant when discharged on agricultural land causes biological and physiochemical changes as well increase in growth rate and biomass activities which are beneficial to the soil.