Effects of fish food and faeces waste applications on plant growth and physiological properties in sour orange seedlings

Abstract

Recycling solid waste materials occurring in agricultural production is an important issue regarding protecting environment and resources for sustainable economic development. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of fish food and faeces waste on growth and physiological properties of the sour orange seedlings and the possibility of its use as a fertilizer. The solid wastes of 0, 50, 100 and 200 g doses were applied to sour orange seedlings planted in pots. At the same time, each solid waste dose was irrigated with different amounts (0, 12 and 1 doses) of Hoagland nutrient solution. The plant length, stem diameter, leaf dry weight, the amounts of chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids, as well as proline were analysed. Plant height ranged from 43.1 to 96.5 cm, stem diameter from 4.57 to 8.82 mm, leaf dry weight from 38.9 to 48.3%, chlorophyll a from 0.451 to 0.911 mg kg(-1), chlorophyll b from 0.154 to 0.304 mg kg(-1), carotenoids from 0.159 to 0.243 mg kg(-1), and proline from 1.247 to 2.604 mu M g(-1) FW. The solid waste application increased all parameters except proline level compared to the control group. The application of solid wastes has a positive impact on the growth and physiology of sour orange seedlings.