Residual effect of sewage sludge fertilization on sunflower yield and nutrition

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the residual effect of sewage sludge fertilization on yield and nutrition of sunflower in its second cycle. The experiment was carried out from April to August 2012. The treatments consisted of four doses of sewage sludge (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1, dry basis) applied in the first cycle of sunflower, distributed in a randomized block design, with six replicates. Sunflower stem diameter, plant height, capitulum diameter and yield increased with the increment in sewage sludge doses, with maximum values observed with the dose of 30 t ha-1. The contents of calcium and magnesium in the soil, pH, sum of bases, effective and potential cation exchange capacity and base saturation increased, while potential acidity and the contents of manganese and iron in the leaves decreased, with the increment in the residual doses of sewage sludge. There was a reduction in yield and growth characteristics of sunflower in the second cycle; thus, additional fertilization with sewage sludge is recommended in each new cycle.

Grain Yield and Microbiological Quality of Cowpea Plants Grown Under Residual Effect of Sewage Sludge Fertilization1

“…The use of organic fertilization combined with irrigation resulted in 54% higher GY (1,422.5 kg ha -1 ) for cowpea plants of the cultivar BRS-Pujante intercropped with maize, when compared to the control treatment (BRITO et al, 2012). Soil fertilization with sewage sludge presents longer organic compound mineralization and nutrient availability, resulting in residual effects for several crop cycles, reducing production costs (ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2015). It also increases the soil microbial and enzymatic activity, as found by Siebielec, Siebielec and Lipski (2018), who reported that sewage sludge applications over six years favored the enzymatic activity (phosphatases and dehydrogenases), which was stimulated by the higher number of microorganisms in the soil, resulting in higher grain yields for maize, wheat, and barley crops when compared to crops under only NPK fertilization.…”

“…in symbiosis with cowpea plants (PAMPANA et al, 2017). Therefore, fertilization management strategies are necessary to maintain the productivity of agricultural areas, and a sustainable alternative is the use of sewage sludge as soil fertilizer and conditioner (ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2015).…”

“…Sewage sludge is a viable alternative nutrient source for plants (ALBUQUERQUE et al, 2015), providing residual effect for succeeding crops because of its slow nutrient release that can last several years (SIEBIELEC; SIEBIELEC; LIPSKI, 2018). This effect can allow a reduction in the consumption of mineral fertilizers and crop implementation costs.…”

Biosolids in Leaching of Herbicides Mimicking Auxin in Tropical Soils

“…After adding biosolid in the soil, Oliveira et al (2002) and Albuquerque et al (2015) have observed a pH increase, as well as increase in available organic carbon content. Such effects act in an antagonistic way in relation to herbicide sorption but soil characteristics in their original state, that is, before incorporation of residues, may have been preponderant so that the pH effect had greater relevance on the herbicide sorptive potential.…”