Effects of Biosolids-Derived Organomineral Fertilizers, Urea, and Biosolids Granules on Crop and Soil Established with Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Diogenes L Antille,Ruben Sakrabani,Richard J Godwin

doi:10.1080/00103624.2013.875205

Abstract

A pot scale trial investigated the agronomic performance of two organomineral fertilizers (OMF15—15:4:4 and OMF10—10:4:4) in comparison with urea and biosolids granules to establish ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Two soils of contrasting characteristics and nitrogen (N) application rates in the range of 0–300 kg ha−1 were used over a period of 3 years. Fertilizer effects were determined on: (1) dry matter yield (DMY) and crop responses, (2) nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and (3) selected soil chemical properties. Ryegrass responded linearly (R2 ≥ 0.75; P < 0.001) to organomineral fertilizers (OMF) application increasing DMY by 2–27% compared with biosolids but to a lesser extent than urea (range: 17–55%). NUE was related to concentration of readily available N in the fertilizer: urea and OMF showed significantly (P < 0.05) greater N recoveries than biosolids. Total N in soil and soil organic matter showed increments (P < 0.05), which depended on the organic-N content in the fertilizer applied. Soil extractable P levels remained close to constant after 3 years of continuous OMF application but increased with biosolids and decreased with urea, respectively (P < 0.05). The application of biosolids changed soil P Index from 5 to 6; hence, there is a need to monitor soil P status. Both OMF10 and OMF15 formulations are suitable for application in ryegrass.

Highlights

The production of sewage sludge in England and Wales is approximately 1.6 million tonnes per year (DEFRA 2011)
The application of biosolids changed soil P Index from 5 to 6; there is a need to monitor soil P status. Both OMF10 and OMF15 formulations are suitable for application in ryegrass
The OMF10 and OMF15 formulations are suitable for application in ryegrass

Summary

Introduction

The production of sewage sludge (biosolids) in England and Wales is approximately 1.6 million tonnes per year (DEFRA 2011). Presents some challenges that combine to restrain the agricultural route as well as the opportunities for increasing recycling targets in the longer term Among these challenges are: variable chemical composition of biosolids (Sommers 1997), nutrient availability and concentration (Bowden and Hann 1997; O’Connor et al 2004), relatively low nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratio (N:P ratio) which is often recognized as a significant factor affecting potential build-up of soil P (Hogan, McHugh, and Morton 2001; Antille et al 2013), land-bank availability for recycling, farming practice, and soil P status (Moseley et al 1998, Skinner and Todd 1998), and farmers’ perception of biosolids regarding its fertilizing value, ease of handling and spreading (Antille, Gallar-Redondo, and Godwin 2013; Antille et al 2013c). Build-up and downward movement of heavy metals in soils amended with sludge (Torri and Corrêa 2012), and risk of transfer onto the food chain (Jones and Johnston 1989) are of concern

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