Abstract
This study evaluated whether the use of composted sewage sludge in zoysia grass sod production can partially or completely substitute fertilization based on urea. The experiment was conducted on a sod farm located in Itapetininga, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with five replications and experimental plots of 5 m2 in a 2x6 factorial scheme. The first factor was the method of application (single or split), and the second factor was composted sewage sludge fertilization and two controls (no fertilization and a standard dose of conventional fertilizer). The conventional fertilizer (urea) dose corresponds to 300 kg N ha-1 and the sewage compost doses correspond to 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N ha-1 . The experiment began with the liming of the total area at 60 days after the previous harvest of zoysia grass sod. Three methods were used to evaluate sod production: soil cover rate, green color intensity, and leaf analysis. At 212 days after the beginning of the experiment, the compost treatment of 30 Mg ha-1 (300 kg ha-1 of N), applied in a single dose, allowed for complete sod formation (100% soil cover rate).
Highlights
The use of in natura or composted sewage sludge as a soil conditioner and source of nutrients for agricultural crops is an alternative disposal method for such waste that is used in several countries (Singh and Agrawal, 2008; Corradi et al, 2016)
According to Godoy (2007), soil cover rate is the first indicator in the formation of turfgrass sod
In a different study, Backes et al (2013) evaluated the effects of composted sewage sludge on the production of zoysiagrass and found that a dose of 46.8 Mg ha-1 produced the maximum soil cover rate (SCR) only at 380 days after application (DAA). These results suggest that the addition of a carbon source during the sewage sludge composting process dilutes the nutrients in the sludge, requiring a higher dose to reach the maximum SCR
Summary
The use of in natura or composted sewage sludge as a soil conditioner and source of nutrients for agricultural crops is an alternative disposal method for such waste that is used in several countries (Singh and Agrawal, 2008; Corradi et al, 2016). The composting process transforms the biodegradable material into humus, and reduces and deactivates pathogens and reduces the concentration of heavy metals, making it adequate for use as a fertilizer to provide nutrients to the soil (Kiehl, 1985; Paredes Filho, 2011; Rashad et al, 2010). Angle et al (1981) showed improvements related to quality, postharvest survival, and the production system for Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Other studies corroborate these results (Schnell et al, 2009; Tesfamariam et al, 2009; Griffith et al, 2017)
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