Regresar

Effect of composted sewage sludge application to soil on sweet pepper crop (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) grown under two exploitation regimes

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to monitor the effect of the application of three increasing amounts of composted sewage sludge (3, 6 and 9 kg compost m-2) on the physico-chemical properties of a horticultural calcareous soil where sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) cv. California were grown. A comparative study of two different exploitation regimes was carried out; the first was an open-air field-grown plot and the second plot was kept under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Changes in physical and chemical properties measured in soil and sweet pepper crop were recorded during crop growth in order to measure the evolution of these properties as a consequence of increasing compost applications. Organic matter, total nitrogen Kjeldahl and available phosphorus contents increased in soil after composted sewage sludge applications. The 9 kg compost m-2 application promoted the appearance of deleterious effects on the properties of soil, such as salt accumulation, a significant increase in the electrical conductivity and an input of heavy metals (Pb > Cr > Cd). The 6 kg compost m-2 application provided a supply of nutrients necessary to grow peppers plants under both exploitation regimes. Pepper fruit biomass production under greenhouse was almost 60% higher compared to that of the open-air plot. Lower contents of Ca and increased levels of Cu in fruit under greenhouse growing conditions compared to those of open-air grown peppers seemed to promote the occurrence of blossom-end rot, affecting more than 10% of the harvested fruits. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.