| The study aimed to know the usage effect of treated and untreated sludge on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of a sandy clay loam soil. Measurements of pH, electrical conductivity ,carbon, total nitrogen and some heavy metals(Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu) were also included .Statistical analyses of the results showed that the untreated sludge at level13.3g/kg significantly increased the values of pH and electrical conductivity .While, the un treated sludge increased significantly at level 26.6g/kg the mean values of total carbon and nitrogen and were (844 and1.93)g/kg respectively. The untreated sludge at the first level showed a significantly increase in the levels of Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni compared to the treated sludge .The usage of untreated sludge lead to an increase in the total bacterial count at levels of (13.3 and 26.6)g/kg ,and was 10₄/g cfu 9.22 at level of (26.6)g/kg .A significantly increased number of total coliform bacteria was observed and was 10₄/g cfu 6.99 .The present results also pointed towards a significantly increase in Salmonella number and was 10₄ cfu 6.46, when (26.6)g/kg level of untreated sludge was used. |