Journal of Environmental Biology

Integrated effects of sewage sludge, farmyard manure, and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and physiological traits of fodder Sorghum

P. Kumar¹, P. Kumar¹, S. Rani¹, R. Kumar², A. Kumar³, N. Kumar¹, Jyoti¹, Ankit², Rachna² and R. Munjal⁴*    

¹Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India

²Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India

³Department of Agrometeorology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004,India

⁴Department of Plant Physiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004, India

Received: 02 April 2025                   Revised: 07 July 2025                   Accepted: 12 November 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : munjalrenu66atgmail.com                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8262-261X

Abstract

Aim: The present research aims to develop sustainable agriculture strategies that enhance fodder sorghum yield while ensuring soil health and environmental safety.

Methodology: Field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, using a split plot design with three replications. Sewage sludge (SS) (2.5 and 5 t ha^-1) and FYM (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 t ha^-1) as the main factors. In subplots, four nitrogen levels (control, 50%, 75% and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen) were applied.

Results: Chlorophyll content, relative water content and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was significantly higher with application of 5 t ha^-1 sewage sludge, 7.5 t ha^-1 FYM and 100% RDN during both the years. Canopy temperature was significantly lower with 5 t ha^-1 SS-sewage sludge and 7.5 t ha^-1 FYM, while 100% RDN treatment further reduced canopy temperature at all stages. Crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were significantly higher with at 5 t ha^-1 SS-sewage sludge, 7.5 t ha^-1 FYM and 100% RDN, particularly at early growth stages.

Interpretation: Combined application of sewage sludge, FYM and nitrogen significantly enhanced the crop performance and physiological traits.

Key words: FYM, Growth, Nitrogen, Physiological traits, Sewage sludge, Sorghum

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