HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Fresquez, P. R. Articles by Dennis, G. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Fresquez, P. R. Articles by Dennis, G. L. Agricola Articles by Fresquez, P. R. Articles by Dennis, G. L.

Sewage Sludge Effects on Soil and Plant Quality in a Degraded, Semiarid Grassland

2205 Columbia SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106;

R. E. Francis and G. L. Dennis

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Exp. St., Albuquerque, NM 87106.

^* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

A major problem affecting grassland productivity in the semiarid southwestern USA is the low quantity of soil organic matter and plant-available N. In this study, dried, anaerobically digested sewage sludge was applied at three rates (22.5, 45, and 90 Mg ha^–1) to a degraded semiarid grassland site to determine the effects of sludge on soil chemical and heavy metal properties, and vegetative yields and quality over two growing seasons. Most nutrients, including soil N, P, and K, increased linearly as a result of sludge amendment. Soil pH decreased linearly from 7.8 to 7.4 with the application of sludge after the second growing season, but did not significantly increase the solubility of soil heavy metals (Pb and Cd). On the other hand, the levels of DTPA-extractable soil micronutrients (i.e., Cu, Mn, Zn) increased linearly with sludge rates to levels recommended for adequate plant growth. Total herbaceous plant yields increased significantly with sludge amendment, particularly at the 45 Mg ha^–1 sludge rate, as compared with the control treatment. Blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud.] yields increased two- to threefold in amended plots over the unamended control after two growing seasons. The forage quality of blue grama, galleta [Hilaria jamesii (Torr.) Benth.], and bottlebrush squirreltail [Sitanion hystrix (Nutt.) J.G. Sm.], improved significantly as the levels of tissue N, P, and K, and crude protein increased linearly with sludge application. As expected, levels of Cd and Pb in all plant tissues did not increased significantly as a result of sludge amendment. All micronutrients increased to acceptable levels in deficient plant tissues. Sewage sludge applied at the rate of 45 Mg ha^–1 gave the most favorable soil and vegetation results.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. K. Bastian Interpreting Science in the Real World for Sustainable Land Application J. Environ. Qual., January 1, 2005; 34(1): 174 - 183. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. Moffet, R. E. Zartman, D. B. Wester, and R. E. Sosebee Surface Biosolids Application: Effects on Infiltration, Erosion, and Soil Organic Carbon in Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands and Shrublands J. Environ. Qual., January 1, 2005; 34(1): 299 - 311. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				F. Martinez, G. Cuevas, R. Calvo, and I. Walter Biowaste Effects on Soil and Native Plants in a Semiarid Ecosystem J. Environ. Qual., March 1, 2003; 32(2): 472 - 479. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. M. Rostagno and R. E. Sosebee Biosolids Application in the Chihuahuan Desert: Effects on Runoff Water Quality J. Environ. Qual., January 1, 2001; 30(1): 160 - 170. [Abstract] [Full Text]