Table 1_Sustainable utilization of dredged sediment as planting soil: field verification of nutrient supply, microbial activity, and plant growth.xlsx

IntroductionDredged sediment from inland waterway construction is often disposed of at low resource efficiency and with potential environmental risks. This study evaluates the feasibility of converting these sediments into a sustainable resource for vegetation restoration.
MethodsIn a 70-day field experiment, planting soil prepared from dredged sediment amended with composted pig manure, sawdust, and composite biological agents (IS) was compared with local eucalyptus topsoil (Ctrl). Six plant species were cultivated to systematically evaluate soil nutrient supply, plant growth, and microbial characteristics.
ResultsIS maintained higher levels of available nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, N, and Zn) and electrical conductivity throughout the trial. Several species reached significantly greater final heights in IS, and water spinach completed its growth cycle only in the IS treatment. Furthermore, IS exhibited higher catalase activity and distinct bacterial and fungal communities compared to Ctrl.
DiscussionCorrelation analysis revealed species-specific nutrient responses, such as strong potassium/micronutrient dependence in herbaceous species and nitrogen-related patterns in legumes. These findings, consistent with a more active microbial environment and sustained nutrient availability, indicate that amended dredged sediment functions effectively as a high-quality planting soil under field conditions.