Effect of applying sewage sludge to areas degraded by pasture

The aim of this book was to evaluate the effect of applying sewage sludge as a top dressing on the silvicultural development of nine native tree species planted in an area degraded by intensive grazing. To this end, three top dressing treatments were evaluated: organic fertilisation with sewage sludge, chemical fertilisation with fertiliser (NPK 20-05-20) and a control (no fertilisation). The species were planted in December 2005 and top dressing for this study began in August 2008. The response to the treatments was assessed by monitoring the silvicultural parameters Diameter at Ground Height (DAS), Height (H) and Crown Diameter (CD) until March 2009, totalling five measurements. The development of the diameter at ground height showed a statistical difference between the treatments with top dressing (NPK; sludge) and the control only in the species açoita cavalo (Luehea divaricata).