Potential of sewage sludge towards germination, growth and chlorophyll content inVigna radiata L. at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The use of sewage sludge in agriculture is an alternative strategy to reduce waste production. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of sewage sludge (SS) from various sewage treatment plants (STPs) on seed germination, growth metrics, and chlorophyll content in Vigna radiata L. var. Samrat. The experiment was first carried out under controlled conditions, then in the Zaid season at the nursery of forestry Department, SHUATS, Prayagraj, a field experiment with seven treatments and three replications was conducted. Sludge’s initial physico-chemical examination had revealed greater EC, lower pH, and more macro- and micronutrients as well as heavy metals over control. According to the results of the controlled experiment, there was less seed germination, shoot length, and seedling vigour index compared to the control. At lower concentrations, data in a field trial indicated good results, but at 45 and 60 days after sowing, substantial reductions in several growth metrics and chlorophyll content were seen at greater concentrations with various sludge applications as compared to the control.