Sandy Soil Modification by Bio-Composts for Wheat Production

Changes of the physicochemical characteristics of sandy soil, with low productivity, treated by the addition of eco and environmentally-friendly composts were evaluated. Two composts were produced from sludge of an urban wastewater treatment plant mixed with two different types of vegetable by-products, wood sawdust and straw. Studies were made on plant pots and two types of wheat were produced inside a greenhouse. Sandy soil tested was characterized before and after wheat production. The obtained results have shown increased levels of available nutrients as nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, an increase of the soil pH and an enhancement of the cationic exchange capacity of the soil as a function of the compost addition. On the other hand, the germination and growth of two types of wheat was improved by a factor of two and three, respectively in the amended soils. The beneficial effect of compost amendment was proportional to the employed dose. All results suggest that application of biocompost to sandy soil is a feasible option as a fertilizer substitute to supplement plant nutrient needs. This alternative material can replace environmentally dangerous and hazardous chemical products traditionally applied in agriculture.