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ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to identify an optimal sewage sludge compost (SSC) application rate to cultivate Cynara cardunculus L. (cynara) in a Mediterranean soil. Five SSC treatments corresponding to 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 kg compost/m2 (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively) were applied to an agricultural plot (South-Eastern Spain). Twelve cynara plants per treatment were grown (January–June). SSC treatments enhanced Cox, Nk, Pburriel, Zn, and Fe. The optimal rates were found between T2 and T3. Cynara leaves’ elemental composition was scarcely affected by SSC. Only Fe increased, differing T2, T3, T4 plants (over 1000 mg Fe/kg) from T0 plants (701 mg Fe/kg). Cynara morphological traits were not affected by SSC treatments. Cynara results did not indicate a clear optimal SSC dose. However, applications between 4 and 6 kg of SSC/m2 are recommended in order to enhance soil organic matter and fertility, factors of special importance in Mediterranean environments.