Some Effects of Sewage Sludge on Soil Physical Conditions and Plant Growth

Hall, Jennifer; Coker, E. G.

doi:10.1007/978-94-009-7930-7_4

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…On the contrary, the increase of organic matter, total N, and extractable P content indicated the beneficial effects of sludge application on soil fertility. A significant increase in both organic matter and total N content appeared in the treatments of 30 and 50 Mg ha −1 These results agree with suggested rates of 20 to 30 Mg ha −1 to have a measurable effect on soil organic matter and physical properties (Hall and Coker, 1983; Metzger and Yaron, 1987; Smith, 1996). However, surface Olsen P increased to 60 mg kg −1 in the 50 Mg ha −1 treatment in the last year of the experiment (Fig.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

“…These beneficial effects make sludge application an attractive option for eroded soils of dry Mediterranean climates that often have low organic matter content. Relatively large quantities of sludge, of the order of 30 Mg ha −1 , are generally required to raise soil N content significantly and have a measurable effect on soil physical properties (Hall and Coker, 1983; Metzger and Yaron, 1987). Comparable quantities of sludge cakes are commonly applied to degraded soils of olive orchards in Spain (Gasco and Lobo, 2006) or by certain recycling operations in England (Smith et al, 1998).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Effects of Repeated Application of Municipal Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility, Cotton Yield, and Nitrate Leaching

2008

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Th e eff ects of sludge application on soil properties and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) response were investigated in an Inseptisol in central Greece. Digested sludge was incorporated in the 0 to 15 cm soil depth at rates of 10, 30, and 50 Mg ha -1 , and repeated for four consecutive years. Sludge treatments were compared to an inorganic fertilizer application and an untreated control in a completely randomized design with four replications. Sludge application increased soil organic matter, associated nutrients and improved physical properties. However, soil electrical conductivity increased with increasing sludge application to levels that may aff ect growth of salt-sensitive crops and warns against long-term application that may impair essential soil functions. Th e multifold increase of Olsen P and nitrate N beyond crop needs is a reason of concern for surface runoff and nitrate leaching below the root zone at the higher sludge application rates. Sludge application of 10 Mg ha −1 was suffi cient to improve soil chemical properties with less risk of water contamination. Cotton responded to sludge application by increased nutrient uptake and yield, which indicated that sludge could replace inorganic fertilizer needs even at the lower application rate. However, fl uctuations of nutrient uptake and yield between growing seasons were of greater magnitude than those caused by sludge application. Multiple regression analysis revealed that P uptake was the major limiting factor for determining cotton yield.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

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confidence: 99%

Effects of Repeated Application of Municipal Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility, Cotton Yield, and Nitrate Leaching

2008

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“…Although nutrient concentrations were significantly higher in the former treatment, the levels of N, P and K in the manual terraces were by far superior to those considered limiting for coniferous growth (Marshner, 1986;Cumming, 1993; (Glaub and Gouleke, 1989;Diaz et al, 1994), diminish bulk density by increasing porosity (Biswas and Koshla, 1971;Hall and Coker, 1983), and favour infiltration processes and waterholding capacity (Gupta et al, 1977;Khaleel et al, 1981). Mechanical terracing of slopes is a widely used technique in afforestation projects in Mediterranean Spain (García Salmerón, 1990).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Survival and growth of Pinus halepensis Miller seedlings in a semi-arid environment after forest soil transfer, terracing and organic amendments

et al. 1996

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Summary -A field assay was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of several methods for the afforestation of a semi-arid area of southeast Spain with Pinus halepensis. The trial was designed as a two factor factorial with four soil preparation treatments as the first factor (mechanical terracing, manual terracing, manual terracing with the addition of urban solid refuse [USR] and mechanical terracing with USR) and the addition of fresh forest soil to the planting hole as the second factor. Twentyone months after planting, the methods involving the addition of USR significantly enhanced P halepensis performance, mechanical terracing with USR being the most effective treatment in improving the survival and growth of the pines. The addition of forest soil significantly enhanced P halepensis growth in all the soil preparation treatments except in the manual terracing with USR. P halepensis growth was strongly correlated with soil moisture content (r= 0.83; P < 0.01) which was greatest in the mechanical terracing with USR treatment. Soil fertility levels, which were improved by organic amendment, were significantly correlated with seedling growth, particularly the phosphorus rates (r= 0.75; P < 0.05). The

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“…T he safe and efficient disposal of sewage by‐products is a challenge facing all countries, with land application becoming increasingly popular because of its potential benefits to soil fertility and structural stability (Hall and Coker, 1981; Oberle and Keeney, 1994; Peverly and Gates, 1994; Joshua et al, 1998; Johansson et al, 1999; Mosquera‐Losada et al, 2001). However, such benefits need to be balanced with the risks of accumulation of metals and other potentially toxic elements in soils that can pose a risk to environmental health (MacLean et al, 1987; McGrath, 1987; King and Hajjar, 1990; Chaudri et al, 2000; Bhogal et al, 2003).…”

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confidence: 99%

Copper Availability in Seven Israeli Soils Incubated with and without Biosolids

Oliver

Hass²,

Merrington

et al. 2005

J of Env Quality

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Land application is becoming a preferred option for disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants. However, it creates potential risks due to the heavy metal contents of these materials, with copper (Cu) being of chief concern. The long-term fate of biosolid metals applied to agricultural soils is not well understood, particularly in the soils of the Middle East. This investigation was conducted to determine whether the availability of Cu changes with time in biosolid-amended and nonamended soils from Israel. Seven soils, typifying the span of properties and formation environments encountered in Israel, were incubated with and without biosolids for 7 yr, and changes in organic carbon (OC) content and labile Cu concentration were determined. Isotopic exchange techniques, using 64Cu, and ion activity measurements, using a Cu2+ ion selective electrode, revealed that the available Cu concentration remained relatively low and stable over the 7-yr incubation. This was despite substantial reductions in OC. This study shows that, with regard to Cu, application of such biosolids to these soils at rates of up to 250 Mg ha(-1) does not pose a threat to the environment in the short to medium term.

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Some Effects of Sewage Sludge on Soil Physical Conditions and Plant Growth

Cited by 15 publications

References 7 publications

Effects of Repeated Application of Municipal Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility, Cotton Yield, and Nitrate Leaching

Effects of Repeated Application of Municipal Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility, Cotton Yield, and Nitrate Leaching

Survival and growth of Pinus halepensis Miller seedlings in a semi-arid environment after forest soil transfer, terracing and organic amendments

Copper Availability in Seven Israeli Soils Incubated with and without Biosolids

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