Student Research - Peabody

Peabody, S.

Evaluation of the use of water treatment residuals for greenhouse production.

The utilization of Water Treatment Plant residuals as soil ammendment to potting soil for bedding plants such as impatiens, marigolds, and chrysanthemums is an economically viable possibility. Overall, the use of alum residuals in potting soil evidenced neutral to beneficial for the growth of begonias, impatiens, and marigolds grown in 2% or 6% total volume of potting mix while negative effects were evidenced at 10% and 14% total volume potting mix. Chrysanthemunms grown in blends up to 12% demonstrated equal or better growth. The potential utilization by Hines-Color Greenhouse Facility is estimated at 587 wet tons per year and could provide a substantial savings of disposal costs for the residuals by the Water Treatment Plant.