Investigation of the Structure and Properties of Sludge for the Purpose of Application as a Soil Improvement in Agriculture of Arid Regions

Abstract—This work carried out comprehensive studies of the structure, mineralogical composition, and main indicators of silt sediment from the treatment facilities of the city of Volzhsky. Analysis of the data shows that the silt sediment is characterized by a complex mineralogical composition and has high fertilizing properties; it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (3.30; 4.27; 0.31%, respectively), as well as organic matter (32%). Using the methods of scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray phase analysis, the studied sludge was found to have the ability to absorb and retain water, which is an important property for fertilizers used in areas where there is no artificial irrigation. This article discusses the features of using silt sludge as a soil ameliorant in dry farming in the Volgograd region based on the example of safflower cultivation. To increase the microbiological activity of the soil, as well as the yield of dye safflower, it is recommended to apply sludge as an ameliorant at a dose of 10 t ha^–1 with the use of deep chisel tillage by the Rancho working body.