SOIL PHOSPHORUS DYNAMICS UNDER ANNUAL OR SINGLE APPLICATIONS OF ALKALINE TREATED BIOSOLIDS

Abstract

Land application of biosolids as a soil fertility amendment is an alternative to traditional disposal methods. The influence of annual Alkaline Treated Biosolids (ATB) land application on phosphorus (P) dynamics in acidic soils needs to be better understood for more efficient P management. This study examines plant uptake, plant available, soil total phosphorus (P) content and potential P accumulation as a function of rate and frequency of application of an ATB amended to an agricultural soil over four years. The results suggest that applying high rates of ATB annually can increase the soil pH, Mehlich 3 and water extractable P, and crop P uptake in an acidic agricultural soil. No significant soil P accumulation was observed and P related environmental concerns were limited in this study. Potential soil P accumulation and higher P loss needs to be considered with annual high ATB rates application over a longer period study.