Effects of substrates containing different concentrations of sewage sludge on physiological parameters and quality of Alibertia edulis (Rubiaceae) seedlings

da Silva Santos, Jaqueline; da Silva Pontes, Montcharles; dos Santos Nobrega, Michele Aparecida; Santiago, Etenaldo Felipe

Effects of substrates containing different concentrations of sewage sludge on physiological parameters and quality of Alibertia edulis (Rubiaceae) seedlings

2021

da Silva Santos, Jaqueline | da Silva Pontes, Montcharles | dos Santos Nobrega, Michele Aparecida | Santiago, Etenaldo Felipe

Sewage sludge (SS), a solid residue of effluent treatment, is rich in organic matter and nutrients, while also containing heavy metals and other potential contaminants. The feasibility of employing SS as a substrate component for seedling production depends on its composition and dose, as well as on the tolerance limit of individual plant species. To expand the knowledge base on the use of SS in the production of plants native to the Brazilian Cerrado biome, we evaluated the physiological responses and quality of Alibertia edulis seedlings grown under distinct SS concentrations. Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf temperature (Lt), biomass, growth, and seedling quality were investigated. At 25%, SS improved growth, biomass, and seedling quality, while substrates containing 50% or more SS affected gs, Lt, and ChlF. Seedling quality was strongly worsened by SS at 75% and 100%, as shown by lower biomass and impaired growth, including leaf symmetry loss and leaf deformities possibly related to contaminants, particularly heavy metals. Accordingly, we conclude that SS exhibited potential as a fertilizer at concentrations below 50%, but exerted a toxic effect on seedlings at higher concentrations.

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