Agronomic and environmental quality assessment of growing media based on bottom sediment

Purpose The objectives of the study were to assess the effects of the application of dam reservoir sediment on the properties of sandy soil, the yield of biomass, and the chemical composition of the plants in order to evaluate whether the sediment can be effectively used in agriculture, horticulture, and for land reclamation. Methods The air-dry sediment was mixed with soil in the following proportions: 0%:100%, 5%:95%, 25%:75%, 50%:50%, 100%:0%, and a pot experiment was carried out for these components. The test plants contained a grass reclamation mixture. The grass mixture was harvested in three swaths with the total growing season of 120 days. The chemical analysis of the plant material was run to determine the content of macroelements (P, N, S, K, Mg, Ca) and trace elements (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni). The following soil basic chemical properties were assessed at the end of the experiment: pH, sorption capacity, contents of total organic carbon, N, S, available P, K, and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd). Results As a growing medium component, the tested sediment should be used in a proportion of up to 10% due to its Cd and Zn contents. With its macroelement content, the grass mixture met the requirements for good quality fodder, but due to the high Zn and Cd content, the biomass obtained from it is recommended for industrial use. Conclusion The sediments should be used to produce growing medium for non-consumption, environmental, and reclamation purposes.