LAND APPLICATION OF SEWAGE SLUDGE: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSE OF THE RIO GRANDE TOMATO
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Date
2020
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journal of bioresource management
Abstract
Treated wastewater produces sewage sludge as a by-product that may have beneficial
implications on agricultural practices. The effects of sludge amendments on growth,
morphological and biochemical characteristics of the agro-industrial Tomato cultivar Rio
Grande were observed. A pot culture experiment was carried out during 4 months (16
February 2019 to 18 June 2019), at an experimental green house in the locality of Salah
Soufi, Guelma, north-eastern Algeria. There were significant differences between soil and
sewage sludge samples. Total nitrogen (20.58 mg/kg) was more available in sewage sludge
than in soil (N = 2.09 ± 0.3 mg/kg). In contrast, sludge contained less phosphorus and organic
matter than soil. The observation of the morphological characteristics of the plants showed
significant variations between the treatments. The germination rates for treated soils
decreased significantly to reach 50%, compared to the control. Growth patterns (dry and fresh
weight of leaves and roots) changed significantly (P <0.05) between the treatments.
Chlorophyll contents of plants in treated soils were more than twice as high as those of the
control, but started decreasing at 75% amendment rates.