Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect
of using sewage sludge as an organic fertilizer on different yield parameters
of maize. Generally, different rates of residual applications of sewage
sludge increased heavy metal concentrations in the soil before sowing
and after harvesting of Zea mays. Leaf and grain contents of heavy
metals were affected by sludge addition except for Cd. In general, the
residual one addition of sludge decreased heavy metals contents except
Pb. While, the residual two additions increased the concentrations of
heavy metals except Cu. Sludge treatments did not affect some plant yield
parameters. Increased germination percentage and number of ears per treatment
were recorded. The dry weight of leaves increased except at 10 and 40
T/F for one residual addition and 20 and 30 T/F for two residual additions.
Mature plant height, number of tillers/plant and dry weights of leaves
either increased or decreased for different treatments of sludge. The
kernel index decreased in all sludge treatments. Sludge treatments affected
the M2 kernel characters of maize, such as inducing yellow
kernels, different colored patches in aleurone layer and non-pitted and
shrunken kernels. Therefore, the use of sewage sludge as biofertilizer
must be applied after pre-treatment to reduce heavy metals in order to
decrease the rate of point mutations affecting kernel germination, color
and shape and some yield products.
A.W. Amin, F.K. Sherif, H. El-Atar and H. Ez-Eldin, 2009. Residual Effect of Sewage Sludge on Soil and Several Yield Parameters of Zea mays. Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 3: 86-93.
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