Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrates made of composted sewage sludge and irrigation depths on the growth and quality of E. grandis x E. urophylla cuttings to optimize water management for each substrate. The substrates were obtained from sewage sludge composted with sugarcane bagasse or Eucalyptus bark, namely: composted sewage sludge with sugarcane bagasse (1:3 v:v); sewage sludge composted with Eucalyptus bark (1:3 v:v) and a mixture of both substrates in a volumetric proportion 2:1 (v:v). Commercial substrate composed of Sphagnum peat, vermiculite and rice husk (3:1:1 v:v: v) was used as a control. The irrigation depths tested were 11, 14 and 17 mm, applied in two daily applications. The substrates were physically and chemically characterized and height, stem diameter, shoot, root and total dry mass, Dickson quality index and root system conformation were measured to determine the growth and quality of seedlings. The substrates obtained through the composting of sewage sludge with sugarcane bagasse or Eucalyptus bark are fit for producing Eucalyptus cuttings, however, the water specificity of each substrate must be considered. Although an 11mm irrigation depth is indicted for the mixture of both substrates (2:1 v:v), a 17mm irrigation depth is needed for the sewage sludge composted with sugarcane bagasse (1:3 v:v) substrate.
Highlights
Most of the sewage sludge generated in Brazil is destined to landfills, which is costly for public finances and can cause social, environmental and sanitary issues
The Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis mini-cuttings were obtained from a clonal mini-garden and prepared with an average length of 7 to 10 cm, leaving a pair of leaves cut in half
The substrates were produced with sewage sludge from the treatment plant, which was composted with sugar cane bagasse or Eucalyptus bark, namely: sewage sludge composted with sugarcane bagasse (1:3 v:v) (SCB); sewage sludge composted with Eucalyptus bark (1:3 v:v) (SEB) and mixture of both SCB + SEB substrates in the proportion 2:1 (v:v)
Summary
Most of the sewage sludge generated in Brazil is destined to landfills, which is costly for public finances and can cause social, environmental and sanitary issues. Agenda 21 (BRASIL, 2004) recommends using sludge in agricultural areas, which has recently encouraged the development of research related to using this material in various activities (GUERRINI; TRIGUEIRO, 2004; OLIVEIRA et al, 2011; CALDEIRA et al, 2012; DELARMELINA et al, 2014; KRATZ et al, 2017). Sewage sludge can be used in agricultural and forestry areas, which was determined by the CONAMA 481/2017 resolution (BRASIL, 2017). It is necessary to maintain the limits of pathogenicity and heavy metals stipulated by related resolutions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
