Use of sludge from kraft mill wastewater treatment as improver of volcanic soils: Effect on soil biological parameters

Abstract

Sludge from kraft mill wastewater treatment was applied on two soils derived from volcanic ashes and, the effect on biological parameters of the soils was evaluated. The soils used in this study were an Andisol belonging of Gorbea Series and an Ultisol belonging of Collipulli Series. The sludge was added at rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 t ha-1. Previously, germination of red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was tested to assess phytotoxicity of the sludge. The different soil-sludge mixtures were incubated at controlled temperature for 60 days and microbial respiration, microbial biomass carbon, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and acid phosphatase activity were evaluated throughout the incubation time. All biological parameters evaluated were sensitive enough to shown the effect of sewage sludge application on soil microorganisms. The sludge application at different rates increased significantly (P<0.05) the microbial activity and enzymatic activity of the sludge amended soils. The maximum levels of activity were observed between 15 and 30 days after sludge application in both Gorbea soil and Collipulli soil, obtaining the highest values when were applied between 30 and 50 t ha-1. The results of this study suggest that sludge from kraft mill wastewater treatment may have potential as a beneficial soil amendment for improving biological properties of the soils.