Use of sewage sludge is one of the alternatives for the disposal of urban waste. Sludge can be used for cultivation of ornamental and forest plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of composted substrates based on sewage sludge and crushed tree pruning for the production of Jasminum mesnyi seedlings (Yellow jasmine) and to compare growth rates with a commercial substrate based on composted Pinus bark and vermiculite. Three levels of fertilization (0; 2.7 e 4 g dm-3) and three types of substrates were tested: commercial, and 3:1 (v/v) and 2:1 (v/v) composted substrate based on crushed tree pruning and sewage sludge. Sum of branch length, height and dried aerial biomass (leaves and branches) were measured. Growth rates were higher on composted sewage sludge than on commercial substrate for all fertilization levels. Highest growth rates were observed in the 3:1 and 2:1 (v/v) treatments plus 4 g dm-3 of fertilizer as well as in the 2:1 (v/v) treatment plus 2.7 g dm-3 of fertilizer.
forest nursery; biosolids; growth
