INVESTIGATION OF THE USABILITY OF WASTE SLUDGE AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT GROWING MEDIA

Abstract

In this study, it was tested whether the waste sludge with added biochar can be used as a seedling growing medium in acacia, an ornamental plant. The waste sludge used in the study was taken from the municipal waste treatment plant of Tokat province. The biochar used in the study was produced from the biomass consisting of pruning wastes of the ‘Populus alba’ tree.
Apart from the control, two different media were used in the study. The first medium was prepared from 2% biochar and 98% waste sludge, the second medium was prepared by mixing 2% biochar, 49% peat and soil mixture (1:1 ratio), and 49% waste sludge. Compared to the control treatment (soil and peat; 1:1 ratio), both sludge media used in the study resulted in significant increases in height and diameter of acacia seedlings. The seedlings in the pots containing the waste sludge had more lateral branches and formed a better form. Root growth of seedlings was also better in both waste sludge treatments compared to control. As a result of the study, it was determined that the waste sludge with the addition of biochar can be used as a seedling growing medium for ornamental plants such as acacia.