Abstract
Papermill biosolids (PB) have been used as soil conditioners on agricultural soils, to reclaim mining soils, and to rehabilitate old landfill sites. Earthworm population responses to a de-inked PB were measured on three agricultural soils in southern Ontario, Canada. Four rates of PB, 0, 50, 100, and 150 Mg ha −1, were applied annually for 3 years. In addition, plots receiving the PB treatments were planted to corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean ( Glycine max L.). Earthworm populations prior to PB applications ranged from 9 to 22 individuals m −2 on the sandy loam and loam soils. Linear increases in earthworm populations were observed ranging from approximately 153 to 280 individuals m −2 after 3 years of PB amendments. On the clay loam soil, initial fall earthworm populations were about 124 individuals m −2 which increased to 482 individuals m −2 after 2 years of PB applications. Earthworm population increases to PB amendments were evident after 2–3 years at the sites measured.
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