Abstract
AbstractLoblolly pine seedlings (Pinus taeda L.) were transplanted and grown outdoors for 6 months in microplots containing strip‐mined kaolin spoil amended with different quantities of dry sewage sludge. Seedlings on kaolin spoil amended with sludge equivalent to 34 metric tons/ha had greater height, stem diameter, and fresh weight (49, 79, and 126% increases, respectively) than seedlings on nonamended spoil. The percent of short‐roots with ectomycorrhizae was higher on seedlings grown in spoil with 34 and 69 metric tons/ha sludge than in spoil with 0, 138, or 275 metric tons/ha sludge. At the end of the experiment, chemical analysis revealed significantly greater quantities of residual organic matter and essential elements for plant growth in kaolin spoil amended with sludge than in nonamended spoil. Sewage sludge is apparently an excellent organic amendment for kaolin spoil; even small amounts significantly stimulate growth and mycorrhizal development of loblolly pine seedlings.
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.
