Effect of Domestic Sewage Sludge on the Botanical Composition of Eroded Pastures

Abstract

This research to evaluate the use possibilities of sewage sludge in eroded pasture areas, the effects of stabilized treatment sludge (biosolid) from the Konya domestic wastewater treatment plant on soil and plants were monitored in marginal and eroded pasture areas in field trials for 3 years period. In this study, analysis processes of soil fertility parameters, micro and macro elements, and toxic heavy metals were examined. The enrichment factors of heavy metals in soil and plants, their effects on heavy metal accumulation and leaching in the soil profile, and their effects on erosion parameters were examined. In addition, biomass yield, protein ratio, botanical composition parameters, heavy metal contents and heavy metal risks in terms of animal health in pasture plants were investigated. In this article, the effects of sewage sludge on the development parameters of plant species that grow predominantly under natural conditions were evaluated. In the experiment, an increase in plant coverage area, height and especially the number and diversity of species were observed in the plots. Provided the necessary precautions are taken, it turns out that the D application has a feasible result of 1 ton da-1 (dry matter) in the method of mixing into the soil to a depth of 0-5 cm, once every 3 years. This recommended dose is valid for the ecological conditions in this region where the research was conducted, and similar studies are needed to recommend it in different ecological regions of Turkey.