Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of Zea mays L. as Influenced by Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash (MSWIFA) and Sewage Sludge (SS) Amended Soil

Abstract

Seed germination trials have relevance in measuring soil toxicity. The current study was there-fore conducted to investigate the effect of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) and sewage sludge (SS) from the Phuket municipal waste incinerator and wastewater treatment plant as fertilizer substitutes on seed germination and growth parameters of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted at the National Corn and Sorghum Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments conditions were: 1) non-amended soil, 2) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha^-1, 3) 543.75 kg SS ha^-1, 4) 756.25 kg MSWIFA ha^-1, 5) 1087.5 kg SS ha^-1, and 6) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha^-1 + 543.75 kg SS ha^-1. The results indicated that application rates of MSWIFA and SS have profound effects on plant establishment and growth characteristics. The highest germination index (22.26), vigor index (146.4), leaf number (5.65), and fresh and dry weight (5.78 and 2.35 g plant^-1), respectively) were recorded from seeds treated with SS (1087.5 kg ha^-1), while the highest seed germination was found in 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha^-1 + 543.75 kg SS ha^-1. The result suggested the alternative use of MSWIFA and SS without addition of fertilizer on agricultural soils.