Effects of sewage sludge type on Pseudotsuga menziesii and pasture production

摘要

Municipal sewage sludge production has been increased in recent years in Europe as a result of an EU directive which aims to reduce continental water pollution. This has exacerbated the problems related to sewage sludge disposal. The EU promotes the use of sewage sludge in agriculture in order to promote nutrient recycling. Sewage sludge should be stabilised before being used as fertiliser, but, depending on the stabilisation, its fertiliser capacity can be modified. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different types of sewage sludge (compost, pelletised) and mineral fertiliser on tree growth and pasture production under different silvopastoral systems established with Pseudotsuga menziesii. An increase in the diameter of Pseudotsuga menziesii is benefited by mineral treatment compared with composted or pelletised sewage sludge treatments, which increase pasture production.