Agriculture

Biosolids to Market: A Strategic Proposal to Explore the Threats to Biosolids to Land – Now and in the Future

Reference: 18/SL/01/9
ISBN: 1 84057 864 5
Published Date: 07/12/2018

Biosolids are valuable sources of crop nutrients, stable organic matter and lime which improve soil quality and fertility. Their recycling to land also completes natural nutrient and carbon cycles. However, there is increasing concern about the fate of substances in biosolids (e.g. microplastics, fibres and organic chemicals) following application to land and their impact on the environment and human health. 
A robust, evidenced based approach to address these emerging issues is required to ensure that biosolids are managed safely and sustainably. 
A comprehensive review of the industry’s approach to biosolids management, and the range of substances/issues that could be present, and which could affect the current practice of biosolids recycling to agricultural land in particular, has therefore been undertaken.

BIOSOLIDS TO MARKET: A STRATEGIC PROPOSAL TO EXPLORE THE THREATS TO BIOSOLIDS TO LAND – NOW AND IN THE FUTURE APPENDIX 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Reference: 18/SL/01/9
ISBN: 1 84057 864 5
Published Date: 07/12/2018

Biosolids are valuable sources of crop nutrients, stable organic matter and lime which improve soil quality and fertility. Their recycling to land also completes natural nutrient and carbon cycles. However, there is increasing concern about the fate of substances in biosolids (e.g. microplastics, fibres and organic chemicals) following application to land and their impact on the environment and human health. 
A robust, evidenced based approach to address these emerging issues is required to ensure that biosolids are managed safely and sustainably. 
A comprehensive review of the industry’s approach to biosolids management, and the range of substances/issues that could be present, and which could affect the current practice of biosolids recycling to agricultural land in particular, has therefore been undertaken.

15SL018 - Appendix 3 Milling Wheat Test Report

Reference: 15/SL/01/8
ISBN: 1 84057 780 0
Published Date: 23/07/2015

Biosolids are a valuable source of available plant nutrients and stable organic matter, which can reduce manufactured fertiliser costs and benefit soil structure and fertility. This study investigated the effects of twenty years of repeated biosolids applications at four experimental sites.

Soil samples from the sites were analysed for a range of soil chemical, biological and physical properties; measurement of serial crop yields and quality were also made. The report provides scientifically robust experimental evidence on the benefits of long-term biosolids applications to soil quality and fertility and to the nutrient supply to crops.

The results of the study provide information on the benefits of biosolids use, further helping to secure the agricultural landbank for biosolids recycling.