Composted Sewage Sludge Application Reduces Mineral Fertilization Requirements and Improves Soil Fertility in Sugarcane Seedling Nurseries

Sugarcane demands large amounts of nutrients to reach a high level productivity. Nutrients are generally supplied by mineral fertilizers, but their costs and negative environmental impacts have generated interest in greater use organic nutrient sources such as composted sewage sludge (CSS). In this study, we evaluated changes soil chemical properties after the application CSS or CSS/mineral fertilizer (MF) combinations containing sugarcane seedlings under nursery conditions. Treatments included: T1: conventional fertilization without CSS, T2: 100% recommended MF (06–30–24); T3: 2.5 Mg?1 CSS; T4: 5.0 T5: 7.5 T6: 50% MF, T7: T8: T9: T10: T11: MF. Soil were from surface (0.0–0.25 m) subsurface (0.25–0.50 horizons. The results showed that increase did not affect matter content at either depth, while Zn concentrations increased horizon. Mg ha?1 with resulted highest pH values, sum bases, cation-exchange capacity, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, an nurseries improves fertility, reduces requirements, and, thus, facilitates sustainable disposal sludge.