The influence of soil and biosolids type,and microbial immobilisation on nitrogen availability in biosolids‐amended agricultural soils – implications for fertiliser recommendations

Soil microbial biomass interactions influencing the mineralisation of N in biosolids‐amended agricultural soil were investigated under field conditions in two soil types, a silty clay and a sandy silt loam, with contrasting organic matter contents. Soil treatments included: dewatered raw sludge (DRAW); dewatered and thermally dried, mesophilic anaerobically digested biosolids (DMAD and TDMAD, respectively); lime‐treated unstabilised sludge cake (LC); and NH₄Cl as a mineral salt control for measuring nitrification kinetics. Soil mineral N and microbial biomass N (MBN) concentrations were determined over 90 days following soil amendment. Despite its lower total and mineral N contents, TDMAD had a larger mineralisable pool of N than DMAD, and was an effective rapid release N source. Increased rates of mineralisation and nitrification of biosolids‐N were observed in the silty clay soil with larger organic matter content, implying increased microbial turnover of N in this soil type compared with the sandy silt loam, but no significant difference in microbial immobilisation of biosolids‐N was observed between the two soil types. Thus, despite initial differences observed in the rates of N mineralisation, the overall extent of N release for the different biosolids tested was similar in both soil types. Therefore, the results suggest that fertiliser guidelines probably do not need to consider the effect of soil type on the release of mineral N for crop uptake from different biosolids products applied to temperate agricultural soils.     

Changes in cadmium and zinc phytoavailability in agricultural soil after amendment with papermill sludge and biosolids

Abstract

The co‐disposal of papermill sludge with biosolids is seen as an alternative soil amendment to papermill sludge and inorganic fertilizer. The objectives of this study were to assess the suitability of co‐disposal of papermill sludge and biosolids by measuring changes in the soil physicochemical properties and the phytoavailability of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Biosolids were applied with papermill sludge as an alternative source of N to inorganic fertilizers at rates calculated on the basis of C:N ratios of the amendments and common papermill sludge disposal practices. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was grown on amended soils for 6 months under glasshouse conditions. The papermill sludge amendment alone increased soil pH and the rate of carbon degradation compared to the control (no amendment) and biosolid co‐disposal amendment. There was no difference in dry matter yield per pot of ryegrass between the treatments. Cadmium concentrations in plant tissue increased through the trial with the application of biosolids and papermill sludge. These findings were correlated well with the sorption properties of the soils for Cd as derived from isotherms. However, Zn uptake was unaffected by the application of the papermill sludge and biosolids.     

Effect of biosolid amendment on enzyme activities in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) casts

We studied the effect of amendment of sewage sludge biosolids on enzyme activity in soil and earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) casts. Enzyme activities and contents of nutrients and organic matter of surrounding soil were compared with the corresponding properties of earthworm casts. This short time experiment was conducted at 20 ± 0.5 °C in the laboratory, simulating field conditions of biosolid treatments. In general, all of doses of biosolid treatments influenced the enzyme activity and contents of nutrients and organic matter of earthworm casts and surrounding soil. Enzyme activity such as urease (UA), alkaline phosphatase (APA), and arylsulfatase (ASA) and the contents of organic matter and nutrients N and P in earthworm casts and surrounding soil increased with increasing biosolid application. Without biosolid additions, enzyme activities in cast of L. terrestris exceeded those in the soil. In contrast, when biosolid was added, DHA in casts was lower than the soil. Activities of UA and APA were consistently higher in L. terrestris casts than in soil of all biosolid treatments. Biosolid amendments generally increased ASA at low doses, but at higher doses, ASA decreased. In general, organic matter and contents of N and P were higher in surface casts of L. terrestris and soils than in the control soil. Activities of UA, APA, the contents of organic carbon and nutrients N and P in soil and casts showed positive correlations. On the contrary, ASA and DHA were negatively correlated with the contents of organic matter and nutrients.     

Nematode responses to biosolids incorporation in five soil types

The impact of biosolids on soil processes in five soils under pasture was assessed. Five biosolid treatments (control, dried pellets, compost, biosolids at 200 kg N/ha, and biosolids at 800 kg N/ha) were mixed in 0- to 10-cm-deep soil in lysimeters each year. Nematodes were sampled after 2 years. Many of the nematode populations and indices showed significant soil effects. Nematode responses to the range of biosolid amendments were similar across the five soils. Few populations showed an interaction between the type of amendment and the soil. The most marked response to amendment was that of bacterial-feeding Rhabditidae, in which populations were affected by the weight of the biosolid amendment. Nematode contribution to the soil processes in these soils was not adversely affected by the application of biosolids.     

Tillage effects on the accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in biosolid‐amended soils

Soil tillage along with the application of organic waste probably affects the concentrations of organic carbon and the enrichment of introduced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In a three‐year experiment the PCB status of soils from three different field sites (silty clay loam, silt loam, sandy loam) which were long‐term differently tilled (NT = no‐tillage, CT = conventional plough tillage) and amended with two different organic wastes such as sewage sludge and compost (biosolids) was examined. No significant alteration in soil‐PCB quality and quantity with biosolid application could be proven within the course of the experiments. This indicates soil‐air exchange of PCBs dominates their concentrations in soil. Organic carbon in soil was significantly tillage‐dependent and determined the fate of PCBs resulting in a generally elevated PCB‐level in the non tilled soils. Linear regression of PCB load and organic matter content of all investigated untreated soils was highly significant (R² = 0.73). Due to already elevated PCB levels in non tilled soils with a maximum of 65 μg kg^—1 in the superficial layer of the silt loam control plot, any additional potential input, i. e. through the amendment with organic wastes, should therefore be avoided.     

Inorganic nitrogen in a tropical soil with frequent amendments of sewage sludge

Accurate prediction of plant-available N release from sewage sludge is necessary to optimize crop yields and minimize NO₃^– leaching to groundwater. We conducted a 1.5-year study with three maize crops to determine N mineralization from an urban sewage sludge from Barueri, State of São Paulo, Brazil, and its potential to contaminate groundwater with NO₃^–. The soil at the experimental site was a loamy/clayey-textured Dark Red Dystroferric Oxisol. The treatments consisted of: plots without chemical fertilization or sludge, plots with complete chemical fertilization, and plots receiving four different doses of sewage sludge. Dose 1 was calculated at the agronomic N rate, while doses 2, 3 and 4 were, respectively, two, four, and eight times dose 1. The inorganic N addition increased with the rate of biosolid application. The high NO₃^– concentrations in relation to NH₄⁺ were associated with intense soil nitrification. High N losses occurred for the first 27 days after soil sludge incorporation, even at the lowest dose, suggesting that land application of sewage sludge based on the N requirement of the crop may be overestimating the amount of sewage sludge to be applied.     

Effect of biosolids from municipal sewage sludge composted with rice husk on soil functionality

Two different biosolids were obtained composting anaerobic (A) and aerobic (B) municipal sewage sludge (SS) with rice husk. Higher amounts of SS (1:1 v/v) could be used in this composting process than in conventional ones. The two biosolids were characterized by chemical analysis and compared with a conventional green manure plus municipal solid waste and municipal SS compost. The effect of these products on soil functionality was studied in a 14-week incubation experiment by their addition to two different soils (silty clay—Ustic Endoaquert—and sandy loam—Aquic Xeropsamment). The total organic C ranged from 20 to 26 % and total N from 1.6 to 2.5 % in the two biosolids. The most relevant difference was due to dissolved organic C that was lower in the anaerobic biosolid (1 mg?C?kg^?1) than in the other products (5–6 mg?C?kg^?1). The total trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) contents were under the limits fixed by the European legislation for soil application of SS (EC Directive 86/278/EEC, 1986). The three biosolids did not show strong negative effects on soil functionality during the incubation experiment, although some significant differences were found. The aerobic biosolid B mainly increased cumulative N release, microbial activity, basal respiration rate, microbial biomass-C-to-total organic C ratio, β-glucosidase, alkaline phosphomonoesterase and aryl-sulphatase activities. The anaerobic one (B) decreased basal respiration rate, microbial biomass-C-to-total organic C ratio and aryl-sulphatase activity. DTPA soil bioavailable heavy metals were not affected by biosolids additions.     

Mineralizable Nitrogen of Organic Wastes and Soil Chemical Changes under Laboratory Conditions

This study looks at the ability of organic wastes from different sources to efficiently promote chemical attributes and enhance nitrogen (N) concentrations in an Oxisol Ustox with a sandy texture. This experiment was performed in a randomized design using wastes from pulp mill sludge, petrochemical complex, sewage treatment plant, dairy factory sewage treatment plant, and pulp fruit industry, on 10 different days. Results showed that addition of the wastes to the soil amended their chemical attributes. The different characteristics of the organic wastes seem to have influenced the N mineralization rates during the 112 days. There was a close relationship between the N mineralization and organic waste C/N ratio: blank soil (SP) (Nma = 3.17) < Treated pulp mill sludge (PMS) (Nma = 30.49, C/N 63.6:1) < Organic compost from the fruit pulp industry (FPW) (Nma = 67.6, C/N 11.9:1) < Treated urban sewage sludge (USS) (Nma = 76.22, C/N 7.2:1) = Petrochemical complex sludge (PS) (Nma = 84.0, C/N 7.7:1) < Treated dairy industry sewage sludge (DSS) (Nma = 102.17, C/N 8.4:1).     

The effect of aging biosolids on the availability of cadmium and zinc in soil

A major concern with the safe re‐use of biosolids on land is the potential for release of metals from organic matter in the biosolids, due to decomposition proceeding as biosolids age. To quantify the effects of biosolid aging on Cd and Zn bioavailability, two sewage sludges (Lagoon sludge and Filtered sludge) and a garden compost were incubated at 25°C and 35°C for 100 days. Changes in availability of Cd and Zn were determined using isotope dilution principles, with the materials being labelled with carrier‐free ¹⁰⁹Cd and ⁶⁵Zn. We determined isotopically exchangeable metal pools (E values) and plant available metal pools (L values) by measuring specific activities of Cd and Zn in soil extracts and in wheat plants, respectively. Changes in carbon content over time were determined using ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy and chemical extraction methods, and related to changes in availability of metal pools as determined by isotopic procedures. Hot‐water‐extractable carbon content, assumed to represent easily decomposable organic matter, decreased during the 100 days by 80–190 mg kg^?1. The Compost and Lagoon sludge showed no change in L values for Cd or Zn with time, but in the Filtered sludge the L values for Cd and Zn increased significantly, by 43% and 56%, respectively. The isotopically exchangeable pools of Cd and Zn did not change with incubation treatment of the biosolids. These data indicate that the potential for metal release from biosolids as organic matter decomposes depends to a large extent on the biosolid composition.     

Biological and physical resilience of soil amended with heavy metal-contaminated sewage sludge

Stability and resilience of a variety of soil properties and processes are emerging as key components of soil quality. We applied recently developed measures of biological and physical resilience to soils from an experimental site treated with metal‐contaminated sewage sludge. Soils treated with cadmium‐, copper‐ or zinc‐contaminated, digested or undigested sewage sludge were studied. Biological stability and resilience indices were: (i) the time‐dependent effects of either a transient stress (heating to 40°C for 18 hours) or a persistent stress (amendment with CuSO₄) on decomposition, and (ii) the mineralization of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by drying–rewetting cycles. Physical stability and resilience measures were: (i) compression and expansion indices of the soils, and (ii) resistance to prolonged wetting and structural regeneration through drying–rewetting cycles. Soil total carbon and DOC levels were greater in the sludge‐amended soils, but there were no differential effects due to metal contamination of the sewage sludge. Effects of metals on physical resilience were greater than effects on soil C, there being marked reductions in the expansion indices with Cd‐ and Cu‐contaminated sludge, and pointed to changes in soil aggregation. The rate of mineralization of DOC released by drying and wetting was reduced by Zn contamination, while biological resilience was increased in the Zn‐contaminated soil and reduced by Cd contamination. We argue that physical and biological resilience are potentially coupled through the microbial community. This needs to be tested in a wider range of soils, but demonstrates the benefits from a combined approach to the biological and physical resilience of soils.     

Arginine ammonification and L‐glutaminase assays as rapid indices of corn nitrogen availability

Increasing use of N fertilizer for crop production necessitates more rapid estimates on N provided by the soil in order to prevent under‐ or overfertilization and their adverse effect on plant nutrition and environmental quality. A study was conducted to investigate the responses of arginine ammonification (AA), L‐glutaminase activity (LG), soil N–mineralization indices, corn (Zea mays L.) crop–yield estimation, and corn N uptake to application of organic amendments. The relationships between corn N uptake and the microbial and enzymatic processes which are basically related to N mineralization in soil were also studied. The soil samples were collected from 0–15 cm depth of a calcareous soil that was annually treated with 0, 25, or 100 Mg ha^–1 (dry‐weight basis) of sewage sludge and cow manure for 7 consecutive years. Soil total N (TN), potentially mineralizable N (N₀), and initial potential rates of N mineralization (kN₀) were significantly greater in sewage sludge–treated than in cow manure–treated soils. However, the amendment type did not influence soil organic C (SOC), AA, LG, and anaerobic index of N mineralization (N_ana). The application rates proportionally increased N‐availability indices in soil. Corn N concentration and uptake were correlated with indices of mineralizable N. A multiple stepwise model using AA and N_ana as parameters provided the best predictor of corn N concentration (R = 0.86, p < 0.001). Another model using only LG provided the best predictor of corn N uptake (R = 0.78, p < 0.001). This results showed that sewage‐sludge and cow‐manure application is readily reflected in certain soil biological properties and that the biological tests may be useful in predicting N mineralization and availability in soil.     

Effects of biosolids from tomato processing on soil fertility and wheat growth in a Greek alfisol

The effects of biosolids from tomato processing on soil properties and wheat growth were investigated in an Alfisol from central Greece. Biosolids were mixed with soil from the surface (Ap) or subsurface (Bt) horizon in plastic containers at rates of 1%, 5%, and 10% by dry weight (d.w.; equivalent to 10, 50, and 100 Mg ha^–1). Biosolid treatments were compared to an NH₄Cl application (50 mg N kg^–1) and an untreated control in (1) a 102 d incubation experiment at 28°C to determine biosolid nitrification potential and (2) a 45 d outdoor experiment to evaluate effects on soil fertility and wheat growth. Mineralization of biosolids in the incubation experiment resulted in accumulation of nitrate‐N and indicated that biosolids were able to supply N that was in excess of crop needs in treatments of 5% and 10%. After 45 d of wheat growth, available soil nutrients (N, P) and P uptake by wheat were distinctly lower in the Bt than in the Ap horizon. However, soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total N, nitrate‐N, extractable P, and exchangeable K increased with increasing rate of biosolid application in both soils. These were followed by corresponding increases in wheat nutrient uptake and biomass production, thus demonstrating the importance of this organic material for sustaining production in soils of low immediate fertility. Compared to the NH₄Cl treatment (50 kg N ha^–1 equivalent), biosolid application rates of 5% and 10% had higher available soil nutrients, similar or higher nutrient uptake and higher wheat biomass. But only an application of 10% biosolids provided sufficient N levels for wheat in the surface soil, and even higher applications were required for providing sufficient N and P in the Bt horizon.     

Nitrogen release from air‐dried biosolids for fertilizer value

Mineral‐N production by air‐dried biosolids was measured in an Australian tenosol type soil with two moisture conditions over 70 days, using a controlled laboratory incubation procedure. The biosolids were from both air‐drying pans and stockpiles. Inorganic‐N components (NH₄‐N, NO₃‐N and NO₂‐N) were present in all biosolids, with higher concentrations in samples from air‐drying pans compared with stockpiles of 1 yr age. Nevertheless, significant production of NO₃‐N occurred in moist soil amended with all air‐dried biosolids. In contrast, saturated soil amended with air‐dried biosolids generally showed a net loss of inorganic‐N compounds during incubation, presumably owing to denitrification. In the saturated soil, only biosolids from air‐drying pans provided NO₃‐N production from existing NH₄‐N. The results indicated that biosolids from air‐drying pans provided the most robust production of NO₃‐N, compared with aged material from the stockpiles, owing to the reduced N content and increased stability of the organic fraction in stored biosolids. However, the rates of N‐mineralization in the tenosol soil were substantially lower than reported for more fertile soil types and most of the organic‐N content of the biosolids remained undegraded by day 70. The biosolids thus may substantially remain to provide improved properties of soil, such as structure and water‐holding capacity. The results suggest that anaerobically digested biosolids from air‐drying pans are potentially highly consistent products that could be effective replacements for inorganic‐N fertilizer in agricultural production.     

Long-term effects of compost amendment of soil on functional and structural diversity and microbial activity

We studied the effects of applying different composts (urban organic waste, green waste, manure and sewage sludge), mineral fertilizer and compost plus mineral fertilizer on chemical, biological and soil microbiological parameters over a 12‐year period. The organic C and total N levels in soils were increased by all compost and compost + N treatments. Microbial biomass C was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased for some compost treatments. In addition, basal respiration and the metabolic quotient (qCO₂) were significantly higher in all soils that had received sewage sludge compost. The Shannon diversity index (H), based on community level physiological profiling, showed a higher consumption of carbon sources in soils treated with compost and compost + N compared with the control. The utilization of different guilds of carbon sources varied amongst the treatments (compost, compost + N or mineral fertilizer). Cluster analysis of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis patterns showed two major clusters, the first containing the mineral fertilization and compost treatments, and the second, the composts + N treatments. No differences in bacterial community structure could be determined between the different types of compost. However, the results suggest that long‐term compost treatments do have effects on the soil biota. The results indicate that the effects on the qCO₂ may be due to shifts in community composition. In this study, it was not possible to distinguish with certainty between the effects of different composts except for compost derived from sewage sludge.     

Effects of organic and mineral amendments on available P and phosphatase activities in a degraded Mediterranean soil under short-term incubation experiment

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mineral and organic-P-fertilizers on soil P availability, bacteria densities and phosphatase activities, in a degraded Mediterranean soil characterized by low level in soil organic matter and nutrients. A typical degraded Mediterranean soil, originating from a siliceous mineral parent material, was amended with different organic or mineral P-sources: aerobically digested sewage sludge (SS), with or without physico-chemical treatment by ferric chloride; sewage sludge compost (SSC); Na or K mineral P-salts (Pi-salts). All the amendments were carried out in order to provide soil with a P total quantity equivalent to 0.5 g P₂O₅/kg of soil. Bacterial density, phosphatase activities (i.e. acid (APH) and alkaline (BPH) phosphomonoesterases and phosphodiesterases), BPH/APH ratio, and available P (P Olsen) were measured after 25 and 87 days of incubation. Results showed that all the P-sources used to fertilize soil during this study resulted in significant increase in P concentration. However, different responses in phosphatase activities and bacterial densities were obtained with regards to the amendment applied to soil. Indeed, it appeared clearly that sewage sludge (SS) considerably stimulated soil biological activity, and more especially the different kinds of phosphatases involved in P mineralization and P turn-over. On the contrary, sewage sludge compost (SSC) as well as P-salts amendments did not affected these parameters in most cases. Results showed also that the incubation time influenced almost all the biological and chemical parameters investigated during this study. As a consequence, P availability was considerably improved in the amended soils between the two sampling dates.     

Effects of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonates (LASs) on Exogenous Organic Matter Content and Evolution in Sewage Sludge–Amended Soils

Abstract

Linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LASs) are anionic surfactants commonly used in commercial detergents. A potential risk associated with the recycling of sewage waste materials is the presence of LASs and their primary degradation products, which could accumulate in sludge, especially during anaerobic processing. The long‐term accumulation of these contaminants in soils and especially the potential disturbance of soil functions need to be studied in more detail. In our study, the influence of the amendment added to an agricultural soil with different organic wastes containing LASs on organic matter content and nitrogen (N) content evolution and mineralization was studied in field conditions. A completely randomized 3×3 factorial arrangement, representing two sewage sludge types (composted and uncomposted) and three levels of LAS presence (0, 15, and 30 g/m²) in treated soils, was established using field plots (7×2 m); the results are compared with untreated plots. Statistical models based on covariance analysis were used to understand the dynamics of and the main factors influencing carbon (C) and N mineralization in sewage sludge amended–soils in the presence of LAS. LAS seemed to alter nitrogen mineralization, especially the nitrate dynamics.     

Soil phosphorus dynamics and phytoavailability from sewage sludge at different stages in a treatment stream

The effect of different stages of sewage sludge treatment on phosphorus (P) dynamics in amended soils was determined using samples of undigested liquid (UL), anaerobically digested liquid (AD) and dewatered anaerobically digested (DC) sludge. Sludges were taken from three points in the same treatment stream and applied to a sandy loam soil in field-based mesocosms at 4, 8 and 16 t ha⁻¹ dry solids. Mesocosms were sown with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Melle), and the sward was harvested after 35 and 70 days to determine yield and foliar P concentration. Soils were also sampled during this period to measure P transformations and the activities of acid phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase. Data show that the AD amended soils had the greatest plant-available and foliar P content up to the second harvest, but the UL amended soils had the greatest enzyme activity. Characterisation of control and 16 t ha⁻¹ soils and sludge using solution ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy after NaOH–EDTA extraction revealed that P was predominantly in the inorganic pool in all three sludge samples, with the highest proportion (of the total extracted P) as inorganic P in the anaerobically digested liquid sludge. After sludge incorporation, P was immobilised to organic species. The majority of organic P was in monoester-P forms, while the remainder of organic P (diester P and phosphonate P) was more susceptible to transformations through time and showed variation with sludge type. These results show that application of sewage sludge at rates as low as 4 t ha⁻¹ can have a significant nutritional benefit to ryegrass over an initial 35-day growth and subsequent 35-day re-growth periods. Differences in P transformation, and hence nutritional benefit, between sludge types were evident throughout the experiment. Thus, differences in sludge treatment process alter the edaphic mineralisation characteristics of biosolids derived from the same source material.     

Predicting Nitrogen and Carbon Mineralization of Composted Manure and Sewage Sludge in Soil

The capability of organic wastes to release available N in soil varies largely, depending on their source and form of production, or rather on their composition and biodegradability. Our purpose was to predict mineralization rates of different materials using their analyses joined with a simulation model, and to evaluate the influence of soil type and application rate of the organic materials on N and C transformations in soil. Four organic materials, sewage sludge (SS), sewage sludge compost (SSC), cattle manure compost (CMC), hen and cattle manure compost (HCMC), were applied to two soils at rates of 2 and/or 4%. The soils were incubated aerobically for 168 days at 30°C, during which CO₂ evolution rates and mineral-N concentrations were measured periodically. Hot water extractable C and N of all organic amendments correlated well with short term C and N mineralization, except HCMC that immobilized N although its soluble N content was large. NCSOIL, a computer model that simulates C and N cycling in soil with organic amendments, predicted well C and N mineralization of SS, SSC and CMC when considered as three-pool materials that decomposed at specific rates of 0.4, 0.024 and 10^?4 d^?1, using hot water soluble C and N as the labile pool. N immobilization by HCMC could be simulated only if the distribution of N between the labile and resistant pools was derived by optimization of NCSOIL, while hot water soluble C was labile. Laboratory methods to determine an intermediate pool or components that contribute to immobilization are required for improving the predictions of C and N mineralization from organic amendments.     

On-Site Assessment of Extractable Soil Nutrients after Long-Term Biosolid Applications to Perennial Forage

The objective of this study was to evaluate soil nutrient loading and depth distributions of extractable nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) after long-term, continuous annual surface applications of anaerobically digested class B biosolids at a municipal recycling facility in central Texas. Commercial forage production fields of coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) were surface applied at 0, 20, 40, or 60 Mg dry biosolids ha^?1 y^?1 for 8 years. Application duration was evaluated in fields treated with 20 Mg dry biosolids ha^?1 y^?1 for 0, 8, or 20 years. Total soil loads of extractable inorganic N and P increased linearly with application rate, but only extractable P increased with duration. Neither total load nor soil distribution of extractable K was affected by biosolid applications. Mineralization of biosolid-derived organic N and P likely contributed to elevated concentrations of nitrate throughout the soil profile (0–110 cm) and orthophosphate in surface soils (0–40 cm).     

不同类型的污泥对土壤微生物性质的影响: 地中海退化土的田间试验研究

The recycling of suitable organic wastes can enhance soil fertility via effects on soil physical, chemical and biological properties. To compare the effects of digested (DS), thermally dried (TDS) and composted dewatered (CDS) sewage sludge on soil microbiological properties, an experiment was conducted at field sites for more than one year (401 d) when applied to two Mediterranean degraded soils (loam and loamy sand soils). All three types of sewage sludge had a significant effect on measured parameters. I...