Effects of food industry wastewater treatment sludge on corn plant development and soil properties

Abstract

In this study, agricultural usage of food industry wastewater treatment plant sludge was researched. Within the scope of our work the study was carried out in field conditions. Before sowing the maize, increasing levels of sludge (0-30-60 and 90 ton ha(-1)) were mixed with the soil. Three times plants were sampled during that period of development and crop harvest. Changes in soil properties caused by sludge application before planting and after harvest and the effect on corn plant growth and mineral content were determined. According to the analysis results, the zinc contents of sludge used in this study were identified in terms of the value exceeding the limit specified in the regulations. Increasing amounts of sludge applied to soil increased the plant nutrient content, with positive effects on plant growth. Sludge reduced the pH and increased the EC of the soil before planting and after harvest. Together with the application of sludge, mainly to organic matter content, total N, NH4-N, NO3-N and available P, K some microelement (Zn) and heavy metal content of the soil increased.