Fertigation of Brassica rapa L. using treated landfill leachate as a nutrient recycling option

Authors

  • Frank O. Alaribe Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Pariatamby Agamuthu Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2016/20150051

Keywords:

fertigation, landfill, treated leachate, Brassica rapa L, nutrient

Abstract

Optimising nutrient availability and minimising plant metal contamination are vital in sustainable agriculture. This paper reports experiments in which treated leachate was used at different concentrations with predetermined N content for fertigation of Brassica rapa L. (leafy vegetable). An inorganic fertiliser, with N content equivalent to the leachate amount, was also prepared, as well as a control. Growth (leaf length, leaf width and stem height), harvest parameters (total number of leaves, root length and root dry weight) and specific growth rates (mm/day) were determined for three consecutive seasons. The dry weights of leaves, roots and stems in the leachate treatments were within the ranges of 1.95–3.60 g, 1.18–3.60 g and 0.33–1.37 g, with biomasses of 1.75 g, 1.14 g and 0.2 g, respectively, which were higher than those of the control. B. rapa Lfertigated with 25% diluted treated leachate recorded high specific growth rate and a leaf length of 0.53 mm/day and 0.23.17±0.58 cm, respectively (%N=0.023; p<0.05). The maximum permissible mineral concentration set by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) was compared with that of the grown plants. Treated leachate can increase plant nutrient content.

Published

2016-03-30

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Alaribe, F. O., & Agamuthu, P. (2016). Fertigation of Brassica rapa L. using treated landfill leachate as a nutrient recycling option. South African Journal of Science, 112(3/4), 8. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2016/20150051
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