Use of sewage sludge on Eucalyptus saligna initial growth

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of sewage sludge on Eucalyptus saligna initial growth. E. saligna seedlings were cultivated for 120 days in pots containing soil (control), soil + 30 Mg ha^-1 sewage sludge, soil + 60 Mg ha^-1 sewage sludge and soil + 90 Mg ha^-1 sewage sludge. The chemical analyses of soils and macro- and micronutrient contents in leaves and biometric, biomass and physiological variables were evaluated. The treatments with sewage sludge were statistically superior to control treatment for all variables. Treatments of 30 and 60 Mg ha^-1 were superior to that of 90 Mg ha^-1 for plant growth. We recommend the application of 30 Mg ha^-1 sewage sludge for the initial growth of Eucalyptus saligna seedlings. Moreover, the use of sewage sludge as substrate conditioner and fertilizer for Eucalyptus saligna seedling cultivation is an adequate and sustainable way to manage this urban waste.