[Objective] The effects of municipal sludge application on crop growth and quality were analyzed in order to provide a scientific basis for the direct land use of municipal sludge.[Methods] Using Zea mays as the experimental material, a field experiment was conducted with different modes of sludge applications (furrow application, spraying application, and application of sludge 20 cm below the surface soil) and dosages (30, 90, and 200 t/hm²) to investigate the effects of sludge application on maize growth and quality, and the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil.[Results] An appropriate amount of sludge can promote the individual growth of maize, plant height, biomass, and chlorophyll content in leaves, with the protein content of maize grain being significantly higher than that in the control when the dosage was 30 t/hm². Overall, the seed germination rate and grain yield were higher than those of the other two methods when the application of sludge occurred at 20 cm below the soil surface. When the dosage was 30 t/hm², the highest grain yield was 656.70 kg/667 m², which was 29.64% higher than that of the control. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the soil and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in the corn kernel increased gradually with increasing applications of sludge composts. However, there was no significant change in Pb content and the content of Cu, Zn, and Pb in the soil and corn kernel did not exceed the relevant national standards. Taking the concentration of heavy metals satisfying the soil environmental quality standard as the restriction condition, it was estimated that the ideal local municipal sludge application dosage was 30 t/hm², which could be applied continuously for 5 years.[Conclusion] The best environmental effect occurred when the sludge dosage was 30 t/hm²; thus, to reduce the stress effect caused by the local accumulation of sludge in soil, the application of the sludge 20 cm below the soil surface using the spraying application method was ideal.