Sewage sludge modulates soil properties, morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of Radish (Raphanus sativus) var. White Round

A field experiment was carried out to ascertain the growth performance of radish var. White Round a commonly cultivated root vegetable of Kashmir valley using concentrations of sewage sludge alone, and in combination with different recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF). The study was carried out during summer (Kharif) 2012–13 and involved five treatments T1: RDF; T2: 100% Sewage Sludge; T3: 75% Sewage Sludge + 25% RDF; T4: 50% Sewage Sludge + 50% RDF; T5: 50% Sewage Sludge + 25% RDF), each with three replications. The study showed that chemical analysis of sewage sludge and pre and post experiment soil samples with respect to pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Pb were within permissible limits. The highest yield of radish was recorded in T1 (229.57q ha⁻¹) followed by 217.26 q ha⁻¹ in T4, 204.12 q ha⁻¹ in T2, 201.54 q ha⁻¹ in T3 and least 201.00 q ha⁻¹ in T5. In comparison to other treatments T1 recorded the highest values in root quality parameters (carbohydrate, protein) and other foliar characteristics (leaf area, photosynthetic pigments and ascorbic acid). However, in sludge amendment treatments the difference was only marginal. Results reveal that application of sewage sludge did not have any adverse impact on the root quality and could be used for the improvement of plant growth and soil quality.