Application Of Paper Mill Sludge Research Articles

Boosting persulfate activation via paper mill sludge-based biochar for efficient degradation of bisphenol A: Inherent multiple active sites

Paper mill sludge generated from the pulp and papermaking industries has inherent iron and carbon contents. Herein, the biochar derived from paper mill sludge (PSBC) was synthesized via simple pyrolysis processes and applied as an efficient persulfate (PDS) activator for the removal of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The unique properties of PSBC endowed it with multiple active sites including Fe(II) species, oxygen vacancy, CO, and graphite sp2-C with defects, owing to which, the PSBC/PDS process presented satisfactory performance with BPA removal efficiency up to 98 % within 60 min. Both of the radical and non-radical pathways were revealed to be involved in the BPA degradation. Based on the results of theoretical calculation, the existences of some special structures in PSBC effectively facilitated the electron transfer process of PDS activation. The process also exhibited a high anti-interference capability to coexisting substances and the universality toward various organic contaminants degradation. And the used PSBC can be recovered by simple thermal treatment. This work provided a promising heterogeneous PDS activator with plentiful active sites and satisfactory efficiency, which can be beneficial to the cost reduction of wastewater treatment and promotes the application of paper mill sludge in the area of environmental remediation.

Application of paper mill sludge and additional chemical substances in the production of container cardboard

The possibility to dispose of paper mill sludge as part of a composition of container cardboard from secondary raw materials has been investigated. The fractional composition of the sludge was studied and it was shown that the main part of the fibers is represented by small particles with a size of up to 1.2 mm. Studying the processes of formation of container cardboard when using paper mill sludge showed that an increase in the consumption of fibrous-inorganic waste leads to a deterioration in the physical and mechanical properties of cardboard. However, the increase in sludge consumption does not affect the surface absorption of water during one-sided wetting. The value of these indicators is within the normal range and is 25 and 70 g/m2, respectively. In addition, an increase in sludge consumption from 10 to 50 % in the manufacture of cardboard leads to a decrease in the degree of fiber retention on the grid from 86.3 to 82.1 %. Regularities of using strengthening additives, namely industrial cationic and anionic flocculants, as well as native corn and modified starches for the strength of cardboard and the quality of sub-grid waters, have been established. Research results show that the effect of flocculants is quite ambiguous. On the one hand, there is a clearly observed positive impact on the quality of the sub-grid waters. This is due to the reduction of their turbidity due to smaller fiber washes. Nevertheless, the positive effect on physical and mechanical parameters is minimal, and in some cases, there is a decrease in strength indicators. The greater the efficiency of keeping fine fiber on the grid when using flocculants, the lower the values of physical and mechanical indicators. In general, when using sludge in the composition of cardboard in combination with flocculants and starch, the indicators were achieved that are considered standard for waste paper container cardboard of grade KT-1 according to TU U 17.1-41085075-002:2017

Study on the Possibility of Paper Mill Sludge Application for Green Roof throughout Assessment of Plant Drought Tolerance

The purpose of this study was to find out the possibility of paper mill sludge application for green roof by assessing drought tolerance of Hosta longipes with five different mixing ratio of paper mill sludge and horticultural substrate (9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7 and 1:9). From August 11th to September 29th, number of leaves, plant height, leaf size, chlorophyll content, volumetric water content, evapotranspiration, and relative water content (RWC) were measured. As results, 9:1 was reached 0% of volumetric water content earliest and withered earliest on 35th day of unirrigated experiment, and 7:3 was withered on 42th day. All other mixing ratios were withered on 43th day or later. As for chlorophyll content, all mixing ratios steadily decreased and showed similar patterns. Number of leaves and leaf size were very stable for 21 days and then rapidly decreased. Soil moisture reduction patterns were almost same and evapotranspiration reduction was directly proportional to ratio of horticultural substrate. In conclusion, 50% or less of paper mill sludge application does not significantly affect drought tolerance of H. longipes so that paper mill sludge can be used as substrate for green roof.

Linking Organic Carbon, Water Content, and Nitrous Oxide Emission in a Reclaimed Coal Mine Soil

AbstractMine‐land reclamation for biomass production is often achieved by means of large applications of N and organic C with amendments that could create soil conditions favorable for N2O production and emissions. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a laboratory experiment using mine soil collected from an active surface coal mine site near Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. During a 37‐d incubation period, we measured N2O and CO2 fluxes from non‐amended soil and from soil amended with ammonium nitrate (L + F), composted poultry manure (Comp), poultry manure alone (Man) and mixed with 3 rates of paper mill sludge (PMS) to obtain carbon to nitrogen ratios of 14, 20 and 27 (Man + PMS14, 20 and 27), each at 60% and 80% water filled pore space (WFPS). Results showed that manure alone leads to a greater emission of N2O under laboratory conditions than with L + F. However, composting manure effectively reduced the emissions compared to that of L + F despite a large addition of organic C and N. Composted manure‐treated soil emitted less than all other manure‐based treatments at both 60% and 80% WFPS. The emissions were greater from soil amended with the Man + PMS treatments compared to non‐amended and L + F‐amended soil, and it increased during periods of intense microbial activity created by the application of manure and PMS. Higher water content increased emissions particularly during periods of intense microbial activity coupled with inorganic N availability. Cumulative N2O emissions from manure‐treated soils represented less than 0·1% loss of total applied N. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Manure and Paper Mill Sludge Application Effects on Potato Yield, Nitrogen Efficiency and Disease Incidence

Appropriate organic amendment management is essential in potato production to increase soil productivity and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) quality. The objectives of this two-year field study (2004–2005) were to evaluate the effects of organic amendment applications with or without mineral N fertilizer addition on potato yield, N uptake, N use efficiency (NUE), and on disease incidence. The experimental design was a split-plot, which included nine treatments with four different organic amendments applied in fall 2003 or in spring 2004 at a rate of 40 Mg ha−1 (wet basis) and an unamended control in main plots, and N fertilizer rates (0 and 90 kg N ha−1) in sub-plots. Organic amendments consisted of fresh cattle manure (FCM), composted cattle manure (CCM), paper mill sludge with C/N ratio <15 (PMS1) and paper mill sludge with C/N >15 (PMS2) applied alone (0 kg N ha−1) or supplemented with mineral fertilizer at a rate 90 kg N ha−1. The N fertilizer rate in the unamended control consisted of 0 and 150 kg N ha−1. No organic amendments were applied in 2005 to evaluate residual effects. Fall and spring applications of FCM, CCM and PMS alone significantly increased N uptake and potato marketable yields by 2.5 to 16.4 Mg ha−1, compared to the unfertilized control. Combining organic amendments with N fertilizer at 90 kg N ha−1 increased potato yields, N uptake, and specific gravity, which were comparable to those obtained in mineral N fertilizer treatments (150 kg N ha−1). Residual effects of organic amendments alone had no significant effects on potato yields or on N uptake compared to the unfertilized control. Potato NUE for FCM, CCM and PMS ranged from 6% to 25% in the first year and from 2% to 8% in the residual year. The NUE values were higher for PMS with lower C/N ratio compared to FCM and CCM. This study did not show any difference between organic amendment applied in spring or fall on potato yield and quality. It was also demonstrated that mineral N fertilizer needed to be combined with organic amendments to sustain potato yield and N nutrition. This study showed that appropriate organic amendment management could increase potato yield and quality and reduce N fertilizer requirement.

Effects of Paper Mill Sludge Application on Physical Properties of an Illitic Loess Slowly Swelling Soil with High Specific Surface Area and Wheat Yield in a Temperate Climate

Physical aspects of paper mill sludge application for wheat production, their relative significance and interactions were investigated in a slow swelling-shrinking soil in a temperate climate by a field experiment. Other treatments were mineral fertilizers to gauge nutritional aspects. Treatment with N and K mineral fertilizers combined and the high rate sludge application as mulch, both increased yield when low potassium kinetics otherwise caused potassium deficiency in wheat. High specific surface may increase mechanical resistance to root growth and lower nutrient uptake (K). There are two potential apposing physical aspects of sludge application on swelling-shrinkage rate and K diffusion, also root growth (low mechanical impedance) and nutrient uptake; a positive interaction by increasing soil water content in root zone versus a negative interaction by decreasing diurnal soil temperatures to suboptimal values especially before wheat heading. Low soil temperatures under sludge may become critical for shoot propagation and head density at sub-optimal temperatures of cold years for wheat growth.

The Potential for Direct Application of Papermill Sludge to Land: A greenhouse study

Papermill sludge (PMS) is the waste product from the paper manufacturing industry and is produced in considerable quantities worldwide. This investigation characterised a PMS from a papermill plant in South Africa and investigated the potential for direct land application of the PMS to soil. In a pot experiment, application of PMS to three contrasting soils at equivalent rates of 0, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha resulted in an overall decline in ryegrass yield. Plant germination was reduced at an application rate of 40 Mg/ha, which was attributed to the high EC of the PMS. The nitrogen content of the ryegrass foliage declined with an increase in PMS application rate, this attributed to assimilation of N by organisms in the presence of excess C from the PMS. Other foliage nutrient and metal concentrations were generally either within critical ranges or below detection limits. This was attributed, in part to either low initial concentrations in the soil and PMS, the liming effect of the sludge or, for some nutrients, microbial assimilation processes. An equilibration time period between land application and crop planting is recommended.

Yield Gap Analysis of Kharif Groundnut Cultivation Through Front Line Demonstration in Plateau Ecosystem

This study was undertaken in Deogarh district of Orissa coming under North-Western plateau agro climatic zone. Front Line Demonstration on groundnut was taken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deogarh during kharif season from 2007-08 to 2010-11 for fifty farmers. Timely sowing, interculture with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices like application of Paper Mill Sludge (PMS) 5q ha -1 , gypsum 2.5q ha -1 and recommended dose of fertiliser were found the factors behind the average yield gap of 3.9q ha -1 . It was observed that the BC ratio was 1.76 for farmers’ practice and was 2.14 for recommended practice during 2010-11. Farmers perceived the variety and time of sowing were the major factors contributing to yield gap.

제지슬러지에 대한 alum 처리 및 퇴비화에 따른 인 흡착능 변화

제지슬러지(PMS)는 침전과정에서 alum을 사용함으로 인해 다량의 알루미늄을 함유하며, 그 결과 토양 시용시 종종 작물에 대한 인의 흡수를 제한하는 요인으로 작용한다. 본 연구는 그러한 제지슬러지의 인 흡착 특성을 조사하기 위하여 토양을 대조로 하여 alum을 처리하기 전과 후에 채취한 제지 슬러지 및 제지슬러지 퇴비(PMSC)를 대상으로 인 최대 흡착<TEX>$(X_m)$</TEX>과 흡착에너지 상수 <TEX>$K_f$</TEX>를 조사하였다. 토양의 인 최대흡착량은 800 <TEX>${\mu}g\;g^{-1}$</TEX>인 반면, alum 처리 전 PMS는 47 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX>, alum처리 후 PMS는 61 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX>으로서 대조 토양에 비해 PMS의 인 흡착량은 현저하게 높고, alum 처리 후 인흡착능은 약 30% 증가하였다. 또한 퇴비화 후 PMS 퇴비의 최대 인 흡착능은68 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX>으로서 퇴비화로 인하여 약 11%의 인 흡착능이 증가하였다. 인 흡착 계수인 <TEX>$K_f$</TEX>는 alum 처리 유무 간 큰 차이가 없었으나 퇴비화후에는 크게 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 인 최대 흡착량<TEX>$(X_m)$</TEX>과 흡착에너지 상수 <TEX>$K_f$</TEX>를 고려한 이러한 결과들은 제지슬러지의 퇴비의 장기 혹은 과량시용이 작물에 대한 인의 흡수를 제한하는 요인으로 작용할 수 있음을 암시한다. Excess application of paper mill sludge (PMS) in field can limit phosphorus uptake by crops because aluminum presented in the sludge can fix or adsorb available phosphorus which is necessary for crop growth. To investigate phosphorus (P) adsorption characteristics of PMS, we examined P adsorption maximum <TEX>$(X_m)$</TEX> using Langmuir isotherm and P adsorption energy constant <TEX>$(K_f)$</TEX> using Freundlich isotherm for PMS without alum, PMS with alum, and composted PMS with alum through a laboratory incubation test. The maximum P adsorption capacities were 800 <TEX>${\mu}g\;g^{-1}$</TEX> in soil, 47 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX> in PMS without alum and 61 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX> in PMS with alum. P adsorption capacity with alum treatment for PMS increased by 30%. That of PMS compost was 68 <TEX>$mg\;g^{-1}$</TEX> and showed that composting increases 11% of P adsorption. Freundlich constant <TEX>$K_f$</TEX> was 22 in check soil, while <TEX>$K_f$</TEX> values in PMS without alum and in PMS with alum were 398 and 426, respectively. After composting, <TEX>$K_f$</TEX> value of PMS compost significantly increased as 1,819. In conclusions, p adsorption capacity for PMS were increased by alum treatment or composting and therefore excess or continuous land application of alum-amended or composted PMS can limit P uptake for crops by reducing available P in sell.

The Increase of Iron Phytoavailability in Soils Ammended with Paper Mill Sludge

In soils characterized by low organic matter and high pH values (7.5-8.59) iron availability to plants is limited even if the content of total Fe(III) is high. We have studied by Hordeum distichum plants the capability of paper mill sludge to increase the iron phytoavailable fraction in an alkaline soil. The effect of paper mill sludges adding to an iron-deficient soil was evaluated both considering the phyto-available fraction of iron and the distribution of organic carbon (hydrophobic, fulvic and humic carbon) in the soil before and after sludge adding. Iron concentration was determined in the different portions of Hordeum distichum plants grown on soils with and without paper mill sludges. Application of paper mill sludge induces an increase in the concentration of available Fe. This effect is probably due to the production of Fe chelators by soil microorganisms acting on sludge organic matter. The Fe chelators produced result in the solubilization of not soluble Fe-complexes present in the soil.

Nitrogen mineralization and nitrate leaching of a sandy soil amended with different organic wastes

Organic wastes can be recycled as a source of plant nutrients, enhancing crop production by improving soil quality. However, the study of the dynamic of soil nutrient, especially the N dynamic, after soil application of any organic material is vital for assessing a correct and effective use of the material, minimizing the losses of nitrate in leachates and avoiding the negative environmental effects that it may cause in groundwater. To estimate the effect of three organic materials, a municipal solid waste compost (MWC), a non-composted paper mill sludge (PS), and an agroforest compost (AC) on the N dynamic of a sandy soil two experiments were carried out: an incubation experiment and a column experiment. The incubation experiment was conducted to estimate the N mineralization rate of the different soil-amendment mixtures. The soil was mixed with the organic amendments at a rate equivalent to 50,000 kg ha(-1) and incubated during 40 weeks at constant moisture content (70% of its water-holding capacity) and temperature (28 degrees C) under aerobic conditions. Organic amendment-soil samples showed an immobilization of N during the first weeks, which was more noticeable and longer in the case of PS-treated soil compared to the other two amendments due to its high C/N ratio. After this immobilization stage, a positive mineralization was observed for all treatment, especially in MWC treated soil. Contemporaneously a 1-year column (19 cm diameter and 60 cm height) experiment was carried out to estimate the nitrate losses from the soil amended with the same organic materials. Amendments were mixed with the top soil (0-15 cm) at a rate equivalent to 50,000 kg ha(-1). The columns were periodically irrigated simulating rainfall in the area of study, receiving in total 415 mm of water, and the water draining was collected during the experimental period and analysed for NO3-N. At the end of the experimental period NO3-N content in soil columns at three depths (0-20, 20-35 and 35-50 cm) was determined. The nitrate concentration in drainage water confirmed the results obtained in the incubation experiment: nitrate leaching was higher in soil treated with MWC due to its higher N-mineralization rate. Nevertheless, the nitrate losses represented a low amount compared with the total nitrogen added to soil. No clear signs of water-draining contamination were observed during the first year after the application of AC and PS; however, the nitrate leaching in soil treated with MWC slightly exceeded the limit allowed for the Drinking Water Directive 98/83/CE.

Effects of five non‐agricultural organic wastes on soil composition, and on the yield and nitrogen recovery of Italian ryegrass

Abstract. We studied the effects of five diverse non‐agricultural organic wastes on soil composition, grass yield and grass nitrogen use in a 3–year field experiment. The applied wastes were distillery pot ale, dairy salt whey, abattoir blood and gut contents, composted green waste (two annual applications each), and paper‐mill sludge (one annual application). With the exception of N immobilization in the paper‐mill sludge treatment, the wastes had no unfavourable effects on the soil. In the 2–year treatments, grass dry matter yields from the abattoir and distillery wastes (26.3 t ha−1) were larger than those from a NH4NO3 fertilizer treatment (24.3 t ha−1) and from the dairy waste (20.4 t ha−1) and composted waste (22.8 t ha−1). Yield and N recovery were impaired markedly after the single application of paper‐mill sludge, both in the year of application and in the following year. The results demonstrated clear differences in the ability of the applied wastes to provide crop‐available N. We conclude that in order to improve prediction of both the benefits and risks from waste recycling to land, more information should be gathered on soil/waste/crop interactions.

Nitrous oxide release from soils receiving N-rich crop residues and paper mill sludge in eastern Scotland

Incorporation of crop residues and other organic material to agricultural soils may increase nitrous oxide (N 2O) emissions, depending on the quantity and quality of the incorporated material. The effects of combining materials of contrasting quality on these emissions have still to be investigated. In this paper, the effects of applying paper mill sludge (PMS), incorporating plant residues, and cultivation on emissions of N 2O are reported. Two field experiments were undertaken on Cambisol soils (FAO classification), previously cropped to iceberg lettuce ( Lactuca sativa var. saladin) and calabrese ( Brassica oleracea italica var. cymosa) in Fife, eastern Scotland. Emissions were measured using both automated and manual closed chambers and comparisons were made between these techniques. Nitrous oxide emissions were high after incorporation of PMS; with up to 4.9 kg N 2ON ha −1 emitted over the first 3 weeks. These increased emissions were probably due to the high input of organic C for denitrification. Emissions from deep ploughed PMS treatments were higher ( P<0.05) than from rotary tilled and conventional ploughed treatments. Application of PMS resulted in an increase in microbial biomass C, but not biomass N. Measurements using autochambers recorded higher N 2O emissions than those obtained by less frequent manual measurements, partly due to diurnal variations in N 2O with soil temperature. High Q 10s (up to 4.0) for this temperature response were recorded in one period in July. It is recommended that diurnal temperature variations be recorded when sampling from manual closed flux chambers so that corrections can be made for diurnal variation in N 2O.

Multiple Applications of Paper Mill Sludge in an Agricultural System: Soil Effects

AbstractLittle information exists regarding the effects of field‐scale application of paper mill sludge on soil properties. A 5‐yr field study determined the long‐term effects of land application of paper mill sludge on an agricultural soil. The goal of this study was to determine the responses of soil chemical and physical properties to multiple applications of sludge. Five rates of sludge application were tested, ranging from 0 to 225 Mg ha−1 in multiple applications under three management protocols: applied once, applied in alternate years, or applied annually. Results indicate strong relationships between added sludge C and several soil physical properties. Increases or maintenance of soil C were observed when sludge was applied annually or biennially, but little residual effect of the single application was seen after 5 yr. Significant increases were observed in soil aggregation and moisture holding properties at higher rates of sludge application and when cumulative C additions reached 225 Mg ha−1 in other sludge application rates. It was concluded that long‐term paper mill sludge application can be managed to effect positive changes in soil physical properties that are correlated to soil quality.

Changes in cadmium and zinc phytoavailability in agricultural soil after amendment with papermill sludge and biosolids

The co‐disposal of papermill sludge with biosolids is seen as an alternative soil amendment to papermill sludge and inorganic fertilizer. The objectives of this study were to assess the suitability of co‐disposal of papermill sludge and biosolids by measuring changes in the soil physicochemical properties and the phytoavailability of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Biosolids were applied with papermill sludge as an alternative source of N to inorganic fertilizers at rates calculated on the basis of C:N ratios of the amendments and common papermill sludge disposal practices. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was grown on amended soils for 6 months under glasshouse conditions. The papermill sludge amendment alone increased soil pH and the rate of carbon degradation compared to the control (no amendment) and biosolid co‐disposal amendment. There was no difference in dry matter yield per pot of ryegrass between the treatments. Cadmium concentrations in plant tissue increased through the trial with the application of biosolids and papermill sludge. These findings were correlated well with the sorption properties of the soils for Cd as derived from isotherms. However, Zn uptake was unaffected by the application of the papermill sludge and biosolids.

Soil enzyme activities following paper sludge addition in a winter cabbage-sweet corn rotation

Combined primary and secondary papermill sludge (PS) is a good source of C and other nutrients for soils devoted to intensive horticultural production. A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of PS, spring-applied alone or in combination with ammonium nitrate (AN), on the enzymatic activity of a Bedford clay (Humic Gleysol) in the province of Québec, Canada. The experiment was started in 1996 with winter cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and continued in 1997 and 1998 on the same plots with sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The PS was applied at 0 (control), 8, 16, 32 and 65 Mg ha−1 in 1996 and at 44% of these rates in 1997. No sludge was applied in 1998. Additional treatments consisted of AN applied yearly at 100% of the plant N requirements and a PS and AN combination. Soil arylsulfatase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured at three different times in each growing season. The PS rate linearly increased the soil acid phosphatase activity in all 3 yr. In contrast, the alkaline phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities were enhanced in 1997 by the 8–16 Mg PS ha−1 treatments, whereas larger amounts of PS showed activity comparable to the control. The second PS application promoted phosphatase activities mostly in fall, but did not sustain arylsulfatase activity. The AN gave lower phosphatase activities than PS, and depressed arylsulfatase. Addition of AN to PS increased only acid phosphatase activity as compared with PS alone or the control. This study indicated that addition of PS improved enzyme activity of this horticultural soil but rates in excess to 32 Mg ha−1 may be detrimental. Key words: Papermill sludge, soil enzyme, cabbage, corn

Short-term effects of a secondary paper mill sludge application on soil properties in a Psammentic Haplumbrept under cultivation

Paper mill sludges (paper pulps) are proposed for use in agriculture to improve soil fertility. The organic matter composition of paper pulp, slurry and treated soils was investigated by means of wet chemistry and cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The pulp consists of about 70% O-alkyl carbon, whereas dry matter of the slurry only contains 40% O-alkyl carbon, but 37% alkyl carbon. All soil organic matter (SOM) data indicate no significant modification of the SOM quality due to the unique application of pulp and slurry, despite the fact that organic matter of both materials differs considerably from SOM. In addition, an increase of total organic carbon (TOC) due to the paper mill pulp application disappears within 1 year. From the ecological point of view, the data suggests that the application of paper mill pulp combined with cattle slurry within the crop rotation will not affect the soil ecosystem in a negative way. The effect of an annual application has to be proved by further studies.

Combined application of secondary paper mill sludges and cattle slurry: Soil risk or soil improvement

In the moraine landscape of Schleswig‐Holstein (Northwest Germany) the primary effect of secondary paper mill sludge (PMS) application on arable soils was investigated. In loamy soils of pleistocene boulder marl PMS was disposed in autumn from 1988–1990. In addition in spring oat was fertilized with slurry. No environmental soil risk is expected from PMS application with regard to heavy metals and organic halogen components. Neither in soil nor in the plants a higher heavy metal content was observed after PMS application. The soil humus level increase due to PMS application and fertilizer nitrogen is fixed. On the one hand nitrogen excess is prevented, if high temperatures induces a nitrogen release. The opposite pattern is detectable with unfavourable weather condition. In this case deficiency of nitrogen, due to its fixation, reduced soil productivity. A compensative nitrogen fertilization is necessary.

Biogeochemical Responses of a Forested Watershed to Both Clearcut Harvesting and Papermill Sludge Application

AbstractThe biogeochemical responses of a forested watershed to both clearcut harvesting and papermill sludge application were evaluated. A mixed northern hardwood and conifer stand in Letter E Township, ME, was clearcut during the winter of 1985–1986. Harvest residues were windrowed, and red pine (Pinus resinosa Aiton) seedlings were planted. In 1987, herbicide was applied to reduce vegetative competition. In the fall of 1989, a combined primary and secondary papermill sludge was operationally applied with a rate of 40 Mg ha−1 (dry sludge). Actual loading rates varied considerably. Study plots were established in sludge‐harvest, control‐harvest, and uncut forest zones. Soils within the treatment zones consisted of Typic Haplorthods developed from loamy basal tills. Selected soil and soil solution properties were measured in 1989 and 1990. In 1989, harvest area forest floor pH was 0.6 to 0.8 units higher, and organic matter content was up to 40% lower, when compared with that of the uncut forest area. This reflected the accelerated decomposition of the forest floor as a result of the harvest activities. Sludge application further increased forest floor pH by approximately one unit, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ by ≈100 and 60%, respectively, cation‐exchange capacity by 60%, and base saturation by 34% compared with that of the control‐harvest area. Exchangeable Mg2+ and Na+, and water‐soluble SO2−4 were the mineral soil properties most affected by sludge application. Harvesting increased concentrations of major nutrients in soil solution. In 1989, solution Ca2+ was two to three times greater, and Mg2+ was three to six times greater in the harvest area than in the uncut forest area. Flushes of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and SO2−4 into soil solution occurred immediately following sludge application. Only N+ and SO2−4 remained elevated in 1990, being five and three times greater, respectively, in the sludge amended harvest area than in the uncut forest area. Compared with the harvest operations, one‐time papermill sludge application appeared to have only small effects on the biogeochemical processes of the treated Letter E site.