Comparative studies of sewage sludge, urban compost and fym on yield parameters, uptake of heavy metals and economics in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill) Kavitha P.1, Rao K. Jeevan2, Raj G. Bhupal3 1Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, RajendranagarHyderabad-500 030, Andhra Pradesh, India 2Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad500 030, Andhra Pradesh, India, 3Present Address: Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, M. C. Farm, Mahanandi, Kurnool-518 502, Andhra Pradesh, India, (e-mail: kavitha .ssac@gmail.com.). Online published on 19 March, 2018. Abstract Field experiment was conducted at college farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad in kharif season of 2003 for comparative studies of sewage sludge, urban compost and FYM @ 0, 20 and 40 t/ha on yield parameters (fresh fruit yield, plant and fruit dry matter), uptake of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd) and economics in tomato. Increasing levels of fertilizers from no fertilizer application to 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as well as manure (0 to 40 t/ha) addition significantly increased the yield and uptake of heavy metals in tomato. Comparing the sources, the sewage sludge significantly increased the yield parameters and uptake of heavy metals in plant and fruit. Combined application of manures and fertilizers significantly increased the mean yield parameters and uptake of heavy metals than when applied alone. Among all the combinations, sewage sludge @ 40 t/ha alongwith 100% RDF recorded the significantly highest yield parameters and heavy metals uptake, which was on par with 75 and 50% RDF at the same level of sludge application. However, the highest B: C ratio was obtained in sewage sludge @ 40 t/ha with 50% RDF (2.77). Hence, the application of sewage sludge @ 40 t/ha alongwith 50% RDF for tomato may be recommended. Top Keywords Economics, FYM, Sewage sludge, Tomato, Uptake of heavy metals, Urban compost, Yield parameters. Top |