Reactions of chrome tannery sludge with organic and mineral soils

Chrome tannery sludge applied to agricultural land may have benefits in terms of added N for crop growth. An experiment was designed to compare tannery waste with commercial N fertilizer and investigate the potential of the waste as an alternative or supplement to commercial fertilizer. Soils with 38% and 7% organic C and N content of 1.3% and 0.2%, respectively, were amended with lime, commercial N fertilizer, or tannery sludge containing 1.6% Cr. A portion of the tannery waste was supplemented with additional Cr 3⁺ salt before adding to the soils. The amended soils were analyzed for total Cr, ammonium acetate extractable Cr, selected nutrient and trace element concentrations. The tannery sludge increased soil pH, total Cr and N, S, Ca, P, Mg, and Na concentrations. DTPA extractable Cr increased only when Cr³⁺ salt was added, but soil pH decreased markedly. Electroconductivity of the soils increased with the waste application rate and, at the highest rate of Cr³⁺ salt addition, far exceeded values recommended for successful crop production. The acidic, high salt conditions complicated interpretation of the Cr³⁺ salt addition results. Tannery sludge may be applied to agricultural land as a fertilizer amendment without adversely affecting soil chemical properties. The amount and frequency of application should be determined by (1) total and available N, (2) total salt content, (3) total and available Cr, and (4) soil organic matter.