Abstract
This research deals with the effects of soil amendment with sewage sludge compost (SSC) on the accumulation of microelements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Fe) in plants—white mustard (Sinapis alba), triticale (Triticale) and white lupine (Lupinus albus)—cultivated on two contrasting soils (light vs. medium agronomic class). Additionally, the influence of experimental factors on variability of the harvest index (HI) was determined for individual plants and micronutrients. A 3-year pot experiment was conducted and SSC at the rate of 6 t·ha−1 was applied into the soils. These changes were determined by ANOVA and subject to regression analysis and subsequently visualized. The study clearly demonstrated that SSC as an organic fertilizer had a significant, but weak effect on the microelements level variability in the shoots and grains of plants cultivated in crop rotation. Regardless of the experimental factors, on average, the plants accumulated higher amounts of Cu, Zn and Mn in the grains, and Fe and Ni in the shoots. Harvest index values confirmed the significance and variable translocation of microelements within plant organs. The influence of SSC on micronutrient contents in plant organs was more significant in the case of medium soil.
Highlights
When considering proper plant nutrition generally, first of all, the macronutrient requirements need to be satisfied
An increase was observed for all microelement contents in shoots of plants cultivated on the soil enriched with compost compared to those cultivated on the control soil (Table 2, Figure 1)
The distribution of nutrients in plant parts reflects their metabolic and cellular functions in crops, which was evident for Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe
Summary
When considering proper plant nutrition generally, first of all, the macronutrient requirements need to be satisfied. It is well documented that micronutrients play an important role in increasing both the quantity and quality of crop yield through their involvement in the metabolism of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, as well as crop responses to environmental stress conditions [1]. A wide range of such fertilizers are commercially available, so it is very easy to find an adequate product to satisfy plant demands.
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