Abstract

The utilization of sewage sludge in agriculture offers a means of recycling nutrients and organic matter, but its potential contaminants raise concerns. Organic fertilizers synthesized from treated Ganga sludge present a solution by transforming waste into valuable products while mitigating heavy metal concentrations. The study focuses on the effects of these fertilizers on plant growth and heavy metal accumulation, particularly in edible parts, to evaluate their safety. Radish, chosen for its nutritional value and edible roots, serves as the test crop. The study assesses the effectiveness and risks of organic fertilizers derived from Ganga sludge. Various growth parameters are measured, including plant height, leaf area, root length and weight and elemental analysis is conducted for elements such as Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni. The balanced NPK content in the organic fertilizers (Jaivik Khad and Dharti ka Chaukidar) promotes optimal growth and shows a 60.94% and 40.10% increase in root diameter over control respectively. The heavy metal content in the soil and radish roots was below the permissible limits, indicating the safety and suitability of these fertilizers for radish cultivation. The research emphasizes balanced nutrient application, promoting organic agriculture, soil improvement and sustainable sewage sludge management. The study’s findings offer insights into eco-friendly farming and safe food production, guiding informed decisions for sustainable, high-yield agricultural systems.

Keywords: Agronomic parameters; Ganga sludge; Eco-friendly management: Organic fertilizers