Evaluation of Suitability of Treated Sewage Sludge for Maize Cultivation

Abstract

The worlds growing population demands more food and creates more waste. Economically viable and environmentally friendly would be to use sewage sludge for agricultural production. There are several limitations for this use – heavy metal content, pathogenic microorganisms, helminths etc.. The different methods of treatment of sewage sludge helps to overcome this problem. The aim of the study is to find the effects of treated sewage sludge on the growth of maize and changes in soil biological activity. Experiments were carried out with dry sewage sludge preparation (SSP) in the such combinations 1) SSP, 2) SSP+PK, 3) SSP+NPK. Controls- loamy soil without additional fertilizer, soil mixed with mineral fertilizer (Kristalon 18:18:18). Maize (Zea mays var. saccharata ‘Elan F1’) was grown. Experiments were arranged in 1L vegetation containers placed in open area with additional watering. Plant growth parameters and soil enzymatic activity was detected. The SSP alone and in combination with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers does not provide the maize with the mineral nutrients in appropriate value, therefore, the combination of SSP with nitrogen containing fertilizers significantly improves plant growth and promotes development. The use of SSP increases the microbiological activity of the soil. This can have a beneficial long-term effect on the mineral nutrition of plants.