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Technology and Engineering
- ISSN: 2333-2581
- Modern Environmental Science and Engineering
Soil and Crops Quality under Treated Municipal Wastes Application
Ahmed Al-Busaidi1, Girisha Ganjegunte2, Rao Mylavarapu3, and Mushtaque Ahmed1
1. Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences,
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
2. Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
3. Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Florida, USA
Abstract: Kala Compost is a mixture of treated sewage bio-solids and green wastes. It can improve soil fertility and plant growth. However, long-term application of sewage bio-solids can result in heavy metals accumulation and some potential health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers and amendments, especially treated bio-solids (Kala compost), on the quality of soil and crops. The experiments were conducted on open fields with four commercial crops (cucumber, tomato, cabbage and lettuce) at Agricultural Experiments Station, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Results revealed that application of Kala compost improved soil physico-chemical properties. Addition of organic amendments to the soil improved soil water-holding capacity and added mix nutrients to the soil as compared with NPK fertilizer. Good plant growth was observed through based on plant chlorophyll and plant tissue nitrogen (N) values in treatments that received Kala compared to NPK fertilizers. Chemical analysis of soils and plants did not show heavy metal accumulation either in the soil or in the plant tissue and all measured metals were within the recommended levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that Kala compost can enhance physical and chemical properties of soils and improve plant growth. Moreover, Kala compost can potentially be used in organic farming practices, if it is approved as an organic amendment. However, monitoring is required for any long term applications.
Key words: In-organic fertilizer, heavy metal, commercial crops, Nama Company
