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Land Application of
Biosolids
BIOSOLIDS APPLICATION ON FARMLAND
The beneficial use of
biosolids for growth of crops can significantly increase a
farmer’s profit through fertilizer cost savings and improved
crop growth and yield. Biosolids provide essential nutrients and
micronutrients and may reduce or eliminate the need for chemical
nutrient addition in deficient soils. The percent by weight of
nutrients in biosolids varies from approximately 0.2 to 5
percent.
Value of 5 to 10
Dry Tons per Acre of a Typical
Anaerobically Digested
Dewatered Biosolids Applied to a Farmland
| Nutrient |
lbs/Acre
Applied |
Value/Acre |
| Nitrogen |
150 |
$ 30.00 |
| Phosphorous
(P2O5) |
150 |
$ 30.00 |
| Potassium
(K2O) |
10 |
$ 1.00 |
| Copper
(Cu) |
7 |
$ 14.00 |
| Zinc (Zn) |
10 |
$ 12.50 |
| Sulfur |
20 |
$ 10.00 |
| Lime |
1 ton |
$ 28.00 |
| Spreading |
|
$ 15.00 |
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Total Value*
*Value of organic
matter is in addition to this total
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$
140.00 |
Source: EPA Publication
832-R-94-009
BIOSOLIDS
APPLICATION ON RANGELAND
After decades of grazing and
wind erosion, rangeland can become deficient in nutrients and
organic matter. Biosolids application to rangeland has the
beneficial effect of increasing productivity by supplying
nitrogen, other plant nutrients, and organic matter to soils. It
increases forage production, groundcover, water retention, and
improves soil quality. Surface application without incorporation
is best because it does not disturb the existing plant
community’s root zone and minimizes disturbance to the
surface and soil structure.
| Specialized
equipment is used to apply biosolids on farmland and rangeland. When applied to farmland, the soil is turned to mix in the biosolids. For rangeland, surface application without incorporation is best. |
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