Use of sewage sludge as fertiliser supplement for Abelmoschus esculentus plants: physiological, biochemical and growth responses

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of sewage sludge amendment (SSA) at 20 and 40% ratios for lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L. var Varsha uphar) by evaluating the morphological, physiological, biochemical and yield responses. Lipid peroxidation, protein and antioxidant levels increased whereas photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and variable fluorescence ratio decreased in plants at higher SSA ratio. Biomass, yield and heavy metal concentration increased significantly at both the amendment ratios. The study suggests that SSA ratio below 20% could be an alternative option of fertilisers for good yield of lady's finger and also a useful management option for this solid waste.