The Concern of Weed Emerged from the Amendment of Sludge Compost to Turfgrass Substrate

Abstract

Recycling of sewage sludge compost to soil via turfgrass substrate is receiving increasing attention. When compared with heavy metals, weeds receive little attention in studies of hazards associated with sludge compost being reused as substrate. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the total concomitant weed germination density and major weed species during application of sludge compost to substrate. A field study revealed that the primary concomitant weed is goose grass (Eleusine indica), and its germination density is inversely proportional to compost amended depth. Survey results indicated that the increased goose grass germination might be associated with bulking agent present during the composting process rather than the substrate or sludge itself.