Recycling of MSW compost and sewage sludge as growing substrate for ornamental potted plants

Abstract

MSW compost and anaerobically stabilized sludge mixture with soil and sheep manure were assayed as substrates for potted Ligustrum lucidum and Washingtonia robusta. Six substrates were prepared by combining MSW compost and sewage sludge with soil or manure in different proportions. Sewage sludge in mixture promoted the higher plant growth, while higher MSW compost in mixture reduced plant growth. The nutrients provided by the sewage sludge, which acted as slow-release fertilizers, positively influenced the development of both species. For substrate production, peat and soil was successfully replaced with different mixtures of sewage sludge or MSW compost, but the substrate should have a lower proportion of compost.