The effect of sewage sludge application on durum wheat (Triticum durum)

Under semi arid cropping conditions, soil degradation is a rapid process, which could be alleviated through sewage sludge application, as continuous production of these wastes increased the awareness of their safe disposal. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of sewage sludge application on the growth and yield components of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Treatments were mineral fertilization with 33 kg per ha N as urea, 20, 30 and 40 tons dry sludge per ha, applied at the tillering stage and an un-amended control. The results showed an increase in grain yield and yield components, mainly spike fertility and straw yield. 30 tons per ha of sewage sludge dry matter were as efficient as 66 kg per ha of mineral nitrogen. Results suggested that sewage sludge application could be used as a mean to increase and stabilize durum wheat yield under semi arid conditions and as a safe disposal mean of these wastes.