Deciduous Tree Seedling Response to Nursery Soil Amended with Composted Sewage Sludge1

The stem length of seedlings of Liriodendron tulipifera L. and Cornus florida L. was greater in plots in which screened compost, made from digested sewage sludge and wood chips, was incorporated into sandy soil nursery seedbeds at 224 tons/ha prior to sowing seeds than in unfertilized soil. L. tulipifera seedlings suffered less winter dieback when grown in soils amended with screened compost. The addition of composted sludge increased soil nutrient content, pH, and water holding capacity.