Evaluation of forage yield and nutritional quality of triticale grown in sewage sludge–amended soil

Application of sewage sludge provides not only a means for its disposal, but also refers to as an agricultural practice to improve soil fertility and to increase crop yields. This research was initiated to examine the impact of sewage sludge on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of triticale “ X Triticosecale Wittmack ” crop used as a diet of the milking Sicilo-Sarde ewes. Treatments were a zero-N-control (C), 6 t DM ha −1 of sewage sludge (SS) equivalent to 92 kg N ha −1 , and 100 kg N ha −1 of mineral fertilizer (MF). The results showed an increase in forage dry matter production, by an average value of 62% at heading stage, when compared with control. Heavy metal contents in different parts of triticale did not vary in the presence of SS, remaining approximately similar to those recorded in C and MF treatments. Sewage sludge had no harmful effect on sheep performance, especially its milk production and quality.