Response of Tall Fescue, Bush Bean, and Maize to Chrome Tannery Sludge in Soils

摘要

Tannery sludge was compared with commercial nitrogen fertiliser to investigate its potential use as an alternative to commercial fertiliser. Soils containing 38% and 7% organic carbon and with nitrogen contents of 1-3% and 0-2%, respectively, were amended with either commercial N fertiliser or tannery sludge which contained 1-6% chromium. Part of the tannery waste was supplemented with additional chromium (Cr(+3)) salt before being added to the soils. Tall fescue, bush bean, and maize were grown in the sludge-treated soils and their tops harvested. First harvest yields of dry matter increased when tannery sludge was added to the soil, although less than with commercial N addition. Yields from subsequent harvests were larger from soils amended with tannery sludge. Yields of bush beans, maize, and tall fescue will increase when tannery sludge is added to soils; however, benefits of the sludge will depend upon: (1) nitrogen status of the soil; (2) organic content of the soil; (3) salt and Cr content of the tannery waste; (4) plant species; and (5) soil pH reaction.