Sewage sludge and NPK Application to enhance growth, yield and quality of kale and spinach crops

Abstract

Sewage sludge is considered as a valuable supplement because of its high organic matter, macro and micro nutrients. Its application has been studied in combination with recommended fertilizer dose (NPK is combination of N, P and K) for crops, viz. Kale and Spinach. The experiment comprised nine treatments (T 1 =0%SS+0%NPK as Control, T 2 =25%SS+0%NPK, T 3 =50%SS+0%NPK, T 4 =75%SS+0%NPK, T 5 =100%SS+0%NPK, T 6 =25%SS+75%NPK, T 7 =50%SS+50%NPK, T 8 =75%SS+25%NPK and T 9 =0%SS+100%NPK) which were laid in a completely randomized manner with triplicates. The study revealed that morphological characters, viz. root length per plant, shoot length per plant, root fresh and dry biomass, leaf area index and weight of edible part were significantly higher in T 9 (0%SS+100%NPK) in both kale and spinach. Similarly, leaf area was significantly higher in T 8 (75%SS+25% NPK) treatment in both kale and spinach. The various parameters related to plant quality like ascorbic acid, carbohydrate content and protein content were significantly higher with application of 75% Sewage sludge+25%NPK and hence improve growth, yield and quality of kale and spinach.