Purpose <p>With the implementation of black and odorous water body remediation projects and large-scale river dredging efforts, the management of dredged sediment has become a critical concern. In this study, we explored the potential of utilizing dredged sediment—a byproduct of dredging activities—as a raw material for cultivating planting soil, thereby promoting resource recovery and sustainability.</p> Methods <p>Dredged sediment was mixed with conventional planting soil in seven volume ratios (0%, 15%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 85%, and 100%) to form growing media. Alfalfa and bermudagrass seeds were sown at a density of 2 seeds cm<sup>-2</sup> and cultivated outdoors at 22 ~ 27&#xa0;°C with natural light (&gt; 12&#xa0;h d<sup>-1</sup>) and regular watering. Germination rate, stem length, and drying ratio content were measured.</p> Results <p>Trials with alfalfa and bermudagrass showed that higher proportions of dredged sediment increased the pH and electrical conductivity, while reducing the organic matter content and infiltration rate. Alfalfa showed optimal growth in the medium containing 50% dredged sediment, with an 81.0% germination rate, an average stem length of 3.8&#xa0;cm, and a dry matter content of 53.3%. Bermudagrass performed best in the medium with 70% dredged sediment, showing a 92.0% germination rate, an average stem length of 3.7&#xa0;cm, and a dry matter content of 44.4%. These results suggest that both plant species demonstrate strong tolerance to the dredged sediment.</p> Conclusions <p>The simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and practicality of this growing medium make it a promising solution for ecological restoration and sustainable land use. Our research provides essential technical support for utilizing dredged sediment, advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development goals.</p>

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Utilization of river and lake dredged sediments for growing medium Preparation and its effect on the growth of alfalfa and bermudagrass: Germination, growth, and feasibility analysis

  • Rong Zhang,
  • Xiangling Zhang,
  • Bi Wu,
  • Chen Wang,
  • Jing Bai,
  • Xuhao Li,
  • Lingwei Kong,
  • Zhouying Xu,
  • Shilong Cao,
  • Xinlu Xiao

摘要

Purpose

With the implementation of black and odorous water body remediation projects and large-scale river dredging efforts, the management of dredged sediment has become a critical concern. In this study, we explored the potential of utilizing dredged sediment—a byproduct of dredging activities—as a raw material for cultivating planting soil, thereby promoting resource recovery and sustainability.

Methods

Dredged sediment was mixed with conventional planting soil in seven volume ratios (0%, 15%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 85%, and 100%) to form growing media. Alfalfa and bermudagrass seeds were sown at a density of 2 seeds cm-2 and cultivated outdoors at 22 ~ 27 °C with natural light (> 12 h d-1) and regular watering. Germination rate, stem length, and drying ratio content were measured.

Results

Trials with alfalfa and bermudagrass showed that higher proportions of dredged sediment increased the pH and electrical conductivity, while reducing the organic matter content and infiltration rate. Alfalfa showed optimal growth in the medium containing 50% dredged sediment, with an 81.0% germination rate, an average stem length of 3.8 cm, and a dry matter content of 53.3%. Bermudagrass performed best in the medium with 70% dredged sediment, showing a 92.0% germination rate, an average stem length of 3.7 cm, and a dry matter content of 44.4%. These results suggest that both plant species demonstrate strong tolerance to the dredged sediment.

Conclusions

The simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and practicality of this growing medium make it a promising solution for ecological restoration and sustainable land use. Our research provides essential technical support for utilizing dredged sediment, advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development goals.