Bibliographic citation
Albiach, R., Rojo, P., Fajardo, V., Fayos, G., Montoya, T., Pomares, F. et al. (2018) Use of WWTP sludge compost in the fertilization of almond trees in a rainfed area of the Mediterranean basin In: Albiach, R., Canet, R., Montoya, T., Pérez Piqueres, A., Quiñones, A ., Red, P. (eds.). Comprehensive management of organic waste. Launching the circular economy in society (pp. 527-532). Spanish Composting Network.
Abstract
Mediterranean cultivated soils are characterized by having a clear deficit of organic matter, which is why the use of organic amendments is necessary to restore the fertility of the soils. The use of treated sludge for this purpose would be in accordance with the principles of the circular economy by converting waste into resources. Furthermore, the use of treated sludge has been shown to be an effective practice to promote increased soil fertility, leading to productions similar to those of inorganic fertilizers. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the effect of the application of sludge compost in a rainfed almond plantation in the Alcublas area (Valencia). For this, a trial was established in a plot, where compost of sewage treatment sludge (WWTP) was applied in preplantation compared to an unfertilized control, also applying WWTP sludge compost in subsequent years. To know the effect of the sludge compost on the seedlings, morphological variables of the same were studied and a foliar analysis was carried out, and to know the effect on the cultivation soil it was analyzed. The results showed that the application of sludge compost made the seedlings grow more, having a slightly higher nutrient content and that a significant increase in some of the key elements in the nutrition of the crops was observed in the cultivation soil.
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