Abstract
This study was aimed to observe the effects of municipal sewage sludge as a organic fertilizer on the growth and KDICical omposition of Altari radish (Raphanus sativus). The accumulation rate of heavy metals of the sludge in the radish was also observed. Municipal sewage sludge of Taejon City was applied to the soil of Pai-Chai University Farm to make 6 gradients of sludge contents in the soil. Root weight of Altari radish was affected significantly by N and P contents in the soil. The longest leaves and roots were produced in the control group, in which urea was applied as nitrogen source to the soil. Even though any other sludge-applied groups produced shorter leaves and roots than the control group, the length of the leaves and roots and the weight of the whole plant of the radish tended to increase with the increase of the sludge application. Contents of N, K, Ca and Mg in the radish were not significantly different among those in 6 experimental groups, but P contents in leaves varied among the 6 groups. Zn content of spring Altari radish treated with 200% sludge was 57.6 mg/kg. It is the highest contents among 6 experimental groups. Contents of Zn, Mn and Cd were higher in leaves than in roots, but less than those in market vegetables. From the above results, it is concluded that municipal sewage sludge can be applied as organic fertilizer to the growth of Altari radish. But this sludge could not be applied under our current regulations, which must be reviewed at intra-governmental leavels.