Corn yield and uptake of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn from sewage sludge-amended soil with and without liming

Although the value of sewage sludge (SS) as a fertilizer has long been recognized, it is still a matter of considerable concern, in view of the danger of excessive heavy metal uptake by plants, whereby these elements gain entry into the food chain. From 1983 to 1987, a field experiment was carried out in a split block design with four replications to evaluate grain and dry matter yield and heavy metal uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) grown on a clay textured dystrophic Red Latosol amended with sewage sludge. SS was applied in single applications (at rates of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha(-1)) and split in two, three and four equal yearly applications (with a total dry matter of 40, 60 and 80 Mg ha(-1), respectively), with and without liming. At the highest rate, 63, 3040, 25, and 152 kg ha(-1) of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were applied, respectively. Grain and dry matter yield increased linearly to the SS applications during the years of observation. Zn contents in leaves and shoots increased significantly, while Fe and Mn concentrations decreased, and Cu was not affected by sludge application. The levels of all metals in corn grain were not significantly affected by sludge, in spite of reaching the highest tolerable levels, which do not entail restrictions for human consumption. Zn, Fe, and Mn uptake by corn was significantly reduced by liming. Split sludge applications caused a general increase of heavy metal uptake, especially of Fe and Zn.