Evaluation of sugarcane and soil quality amended by sewage sludge derived compost and chemical fertilizer

Abstract

The impact of compost prepared from sewage sludge in addition/alteration to chemical fertilizer makes a unique direction for effective waste management with high crop productivity. The study aims to compare the quality, agronomic parameters of sugarcane amended by sewage sludge compost with that using optimum chemical fertilizer (NPK 150-50-90 kg/ha) in the two random fields near sewage treatment plant (STP) of our institute and also to predict the soil quality in that field before sowing and after ripening. Dimensional analysis, Brix, Pol, Purity, Sugar recovery and other necessary quality analysis were estimated for the sugarcane samples. Similarly, soil physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, forms of nitrogen, organic carbon and other nutrients were also monitored. Obtained sugarcane purity of 89.2% from sludge derived compost (SDC) over the 82.8% using chemical fertilizer amendment leads to the sustainable management system. The % recovery of 12.23 of cane shows the optimum value for the compost amendment. The results scientifically reveal the suitability of sludge compost to the replacement of chemical fertilizers in terms of productivity and soil quality.