BIOMASS AND CRUDE PROTEIN OF TWO FORAGES FERTIGATED WITH TREATED DOMESTIC SEWAGE

Resumo

The reuse of wastewater in agricultural activities has been identified as alternative to final disposal of minimal risk to the environment. Accordingly, in order to assess the yield and crude protein content of forages Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) and Marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha) fertigated with treated domestic sewage compared with those grown with mineral fertilizer, two split plot experiments were set: one with each species at 5x3 factorial arrangement and five repetitions. The factors in the plots corresponded to five treatments, one fertilized with mineral fertilizer in which was applied 40 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and four fertigated with treated domestic sewage in the dosages of 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and, three plant sections in the subplots. After each section the plant material had its green mass determined and then sent to the laboratory for measurement of dry mass. Also in the laboratory, the crude protein content was determined. The application of treated wastewater used in the form of fertigation resulted in increased biomass and crude protein reflecting better nutritional value of forages studied.