Biosolids Soil Application: Agronomic and Environmental Implications 2014
1University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
3University of Florence, Florence, Italy
4Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Valencia, Spain
5Tula State University, Tula, Russia
Biosolids Soil Application: Agronomic and Environmental Implications 2014
Description
The increasing volume of biosolids generated in wastewater treatment facilities worldwide constitutes an economic and environmental problem. Among different management options, land application of biosolids is internationally favored. The benefits of land application of biosolids for both soil and vegetation are numerous and well recognized. Biosolids slowly release macro- and micronutrients that increase crop yields. Land application of biosolids also contributes to organic matter recycle, enhancing microbial activity. This management may apply to agricultural areas, agroforestry, and the restoration of damaged and degraded ecosystems, where soil properties hamper the production of goods and services.
However, the benefits from biosolids application have to be carefully weighed against potential negative effects, such as an increased rate of nitrate leaching, nutrient runoff, and soil contamination, with potentially toxic inorganic trace elements, organic contaminants, or pathogens.
This annual issue intends to gather the most recent scientific information on this subject around the world. Authors are invited to submit original research as well as review articles.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Agronomic application: rates, methods, and economics
- Mineralization of organically bound elements
- Soil nutrient availability
- Plant nutrient uptake and nutrition
- Biosolids N and P management
- Fate of pollutants and interactions with native soil components
- Trace elements, including robustness of current application guidelines and directives
- Changes in soil organic matter fractions
- Hazardous organic components, including pathogens
- Effect of biosolids on soil organisms
- Effect of biosolids on soil’s physical conditions
- Potential for carbon sequestration
- Biosolids as a restoration tool of degraded ecosystems and industrial sites
- Other related topics dealing with biosolids application