Biosolids are the solid or semisolid, largely organic, nutrient-rich residuals of wastewater (sewage) treatment, i.e., sludge treated to meet EPA (and sometimes state) land application standards so that they can be used beneficially and safely as a fertilizer or soil amendment. Similar to livestock organics, the nutrient content of biosolids may vary considerably, depending on the influent waste properties and treatment process. This research aims to determine nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability coefficients of different types of biosolids applied to North Carolina’s diverse soils to determine application rates appropriate for crop needs and water quality protection.
- Biosolids Type, Rate, and Receiving Soil Affect Anaerobic Incubation Nitrogen Availability Coefficients. Jeffrey G. White, Ryan Dodd and Robert Walters. 2018 journal article summarizing laboratory biosolids incubation studies on potentially available nitrogen (PAN) and nitrogen availability coefficients (NACs).
- Can an Amino Sugar Test Estimate Potentially Available Nitrogen from Biosolids? Jeffrey G. White, Ryan Dodd and Robert Walters. 2019 journal article summarizing in vitro incubation studies of biosolids and utility of the amino sugar test to estimate potentially available nitrogen.
- Biosolids: The Word. Do words matter? Is it margarine or Parkay®? Does the word ‘biosolid’ describe the genetic identity of stabilized sewage sludge or is it subterfuge, as some claim? Discussion courtesy of NEBRA; make your own judgment (pdf).
