On-Farm Assessment of Biosolids Effects on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Accumulation in Soils

Abstract

A field plot experiment in a calcareous soil with wheat and maize rotation was carried out for 2 yr. The study aimed to investigate the effects of biosolids (sewage sludge or chicken manure) application on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation in soils and to develop a model for the effects of biosolids application on available P (Olsen-P) accumulation in soils, by which the quantities of biosolids that can be safely applied to agricultural soils were estimated. The results showed that heavy application of biosolids to agricultural soils based on the N requirement of a wheat-maize rotation cropping system will oversupply P. Soil total N was increased by 0.010 g kg−1 at application rate of 1 ton sewage sludge per hectare. The high ratio of N to P in grains of wheat and maize (from 4.0 to 7.6) and low ratio of N to P in biosolids (<2) led to more surplus P accumulated in soils. Although plant yields and P uptake by plants increased with increasing quantities of applied biosolids in soils, there was still an average 2.87 mg kg−1 increase in Olsen-P in the plough layer treated with biosolids for every 100 kg P ha−1 surplus. A predictive model was developed based upon the initial Olsen-P in soils, P input rates, crop yield, soil pH, and cultivation time. From the model, it is suggested that sewage sludge could be applied to calcareous soils for 12 yr using the recommended application rate (9 tons ha−1 yr−1). The field results will be helpful in achieving best management of biosolids application for agricultural production and environmental protection.