Effect of composted textile sludge on growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2007-03, Vol.98 (5), p.1028-1032
• Main Authors: Araújo, A.S.F., Monteiro, R.T.R., Carvalho, E.M.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fabaceae - growth & development; Fabaceae - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase - analysis; Glutamine synthetase; Glycine max - growth & development; Glycine max - metabolism; Industrial Waste; Industrial wastes; Leghemoglobin - analysis; Nitrogen - analysis; Nitrogen fertilization; Nitrogen Fixation; Other nutrients. Amendments. Solid and liquid wastes. Sludges and slurries; Plant Shoots - chemistry; Pollution; Refuse Disposal - methods; Root Nodules, Plant - chemistry; Root Nodules, Plant - enzymology; Root Nodules, Plant - growth & development; Soil - analysis; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments; Symbiosis; Textile Industry; Textiles; Wastes
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2006.04.028

The effect of composted textile sludge on growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. The compost was incorporated into soil at 0, 9.5, 19 and 38 t ha −1 (bases upon the N requirement of the crops, i.e., 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg available N ha −1). Growth, nodulation and shoot accumulation of nitrogen were evaluated 36 and 63 days after plant emergence. Nodule glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and leghemoglobin content were evaluated 63 days after emergence. Composted textile sludge did not show negative effects on nodule number and weight, nodule GS activity and leghemoglobin content. Nitrogen accumulation in shoot dry matter in soybean and cowpea was higher than other treatments with application of 19 t ha −1 of compost. Composting can be an alternate technology for the management of solid textile mill sludge. This study verifies that the composted textile sludge was not harmful to growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of soybean and cowpea.