Wednesday, November 7, 2007
329-1

Long-Term and Residual Biosolids Effects on Nutrient Management and Soil Quality.

Andy Bary, Craig Cogger, and Liz Myhre. Washington State University, WSU Puyallup Res & Ext Center, 7612 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA 98371-4998

The objectives of this research are 1) to determine plant available N from long term applications of biosolids during the active application and post-application periods, and 2) to evaluate the effects of long-term biosolids applications on selected physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. Two sources of class A biosolids (heat-dried, and thermophilically digested and dewatered) were applied at three rates to tall fescue for a ten-year period (1993-2002) in a randomized complete block design that also included zero-N and inorganic N control treatments. In the years following cessation of biosolids applications (2003-2007) all treatments received a blanket application of half of the optimum inorganic N rate. Grass was harvested 6 times per year, and yield, N concentration, and apparent N recovery determined. Soil test nutrients, DTPA-extractable metals, total C and N, bulk density, aggregate stability, and nematode populations and indices were determined at intervals during and/or after the period of biosolids applications. 10-year plant available N during the application period was 68% of total biosolids N for the dewatered biosolids and 59% of total biosolids N for the heat-dried biosolids. Available N during the 5 years following biosolids application and changes selected soil quality measurements will also be discussed.