Effect of sewage water irrigation on growth performance, biomass and nutrient accumulation in Hardwickia Binata under nursery conditions

The effects of different concentrations of sewage water (0, 25, 50 and 100%) on growth performance, biomass and nutrient accumulation of Hardwickia binata growing under nursery conditions were examined. Maximum growth was observed at the 50% concentration of sewage water application. Biomass (g/plant) and leaf area (cm(2)) of the H. binata seedlings treated with sewage water (50%) showed an increase over the control. Photosynthetic pigments and total soluble protein decreased with an increased concentration of sewage water application. At the higher concentration of sewage water applications, the accumulation of both nitrogen and phosphorus in different components of H. binata seedlings was as follows; root > stem > leaves. The accumulation of heavy metals resulting from short-term application of sewage water was in the following order; Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. The sewage water concentration at 75 and 100% retarded the growth of seedlings and only the 50% concentration was suitable for growth of H. binata seedlings. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.