Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of de-inking paper sludge (DPS) and sewage sludge (SS) application on soil properties, and durum wheat growth and yield. A pot experiment was performed on Calcaric cambisol (clCM) and Cromic Luvisol (coLV) soils. Three DPS rates (0, 30, and 60 Mg ha−1) were studied with and without nitrogen fertilizer (280 kg NH4NO3 ha−1). DPS was also mixed with SS at two rates (5 and 10 Mg ha−1) to highlight the benefits of organic nitrogen compared to mineral nitrogen. DPS improved total organic carbon and nitrogen, mineral nitrogen, and soils cation exchange capacity, the 30% rate provided the greatest improvement in both soils. DPS increased grain and root P, K, Ca, and Mg contents in both soils. It also increased wheat straw N, P, Mg, and Ca for the same soil compared to the control. Mixed DPS treatments with nitrogen fertilizer enhanced grain yield by up to 38% and increased root biomass in the studied soils. Thus, DPS is a potential source of organic matter and a liming agent for acid soils when appropriate supplemental fertilizer is provided.
Highlights
According to the Kyoto protocol related to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste management, and the use of residual fertilizer material (RFM), can mitigate climate change [1]
Results showed that de-inking paper sludge (DPS) application rates and the presence of the N fertilizer were affected by soil pH
In the silty clay soil, the pH value increased significantly for the 60 Mg ha−1 treatment with and without N fertilizer compared to the control with 0.41 and 0.21 increases respectively
Summary
According to the Kyoto protocol related to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste management, and the use of residual fertilizer material (RFM), can mitigate climate change [1]. The recycling rate in Tunisia for residues such as DPS is close to 0%, which represents a big loss of organic matter [4,5]. The explanation for this is that in Tunisia this kind of residue is considered dangerous
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