Making agriculture greener

J Environ Biol. 2015 Jan:36 Spec No:27-31.

Abstract

The application of sewage sludge has been a worldwide agricultural practice for many years. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sewage sludge (Ss) has on the physiological parameters of maize (Zea mays L cvs. PR37NO1). 2 g dm(-3) and 4 g dm(-3) of sewage sludge were examined in hydroponic experiment. Some metal contents (Al, Cr, Mn, Na, Zn) in the shoots and roots of maize were taken. Living bacteria containing fertilizers (LBCF) were examined on how the treatments modify heavy metal uptakes. Dry matter accumulations in shoots and roots, length of shoots and roots of maize were measured. Chlorophyll contents were determined by using spectrophotometer methods. The dry matter accumulation and length of shoots decreased, the dry matter of roots increased in all of the treatments compared to the nutrient solution without treatment (control). Increased chlorophyll a, b and carotene contents were observed at 4 g dm(-3) Ss and 4 g dm(-3) Ss + bio fertilizer treatments.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Fertilizers
  • Metals / metabolism
  • Sewage / chemistry
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Zea mays / growth & development*

Substances

  • Fertilizers
  • Metals
  • Sewage
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants