Application of biosolids to degraded semiarid rangeland: nine-year responses

Rangeland restoration through surface application of biosolids (municipal sewage sludge) is an increasing practice. Biosolids supply both organic matter and available nutrients that are lacking in degraded rangeland soils. This study investigated the effects of biosolids applications of 0, 22.5, 45,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental quality 1997-11, Vol.26 (6), p.1663-1671
Main Authors: White, C.S, Loftin, S.R, Aguilar, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
APPLICATION METHODS
APPLICATION RATES
Biological and medical sciences
Biosolids
BOUE RESIDUAIRE
DOSE D'APPLICATION
DOSIS DE APLICACION
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
LODOS RESIDUALES
METHODE D'APPLICATION
METODOS DE APLICACION
NEW MEXICO
NOUVEAU MEXIQUE
NUEVO MEXICO
PARCOURS
RANGELANDS
SEWAGE SLUDGE
Soil and water pollution
Soil science
TIERRAS DE PASTOS
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Summary:Rangeland restoration through surface application of biosolids (municipal sewage sludge) is an increasing practice. Biosolids supply both organic matter and available nutrients that are lacking in degraded rangeland soils. This study investigated the effects of biosolids applications of 0, 22.5, 45, and 90 Mg ha-1 to a degraded rangeland in 1985 on the soil chemical properties and N mineralization potentials 8 and 9 yr after the application, respectively. Following an initial increase in proportion to the application rate, levels of water-extractable Ca, Mg, Na, nitrate (NO3-N), and electrical conductivity declined to that near the control soils after 8 yr. Nearly all diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were highest in the collection 4 yr after application, but were near concentrations in the control soil after 8 yr. Nitrogen mineralization potentials were significantly higher (P 0.05) in the 45 and 90 Mg ha-1 applications after 9 yr, indicating that site fertility remained higher even though most soil chemical properties were returning to untreated levels
ISSN:0047-2425
1537-2537
DOI:10.2134/jeq1997.00472425002600060029x