Summary
This long-term field study evaluated the impacts of recycling three types of digested biosolids to agricultural land across four English sites with contrasting soils over a 20-year period (1994–2014). Biosolids application significantly increased soil organic matter (10–17%), available water capacity (up to 10%), soil nitrogen (up to 20%), extractable phosphorus (up to 48%), total sulphur (up to 30%), and earthworm populations (approximately doubled), with no observed adverse effects on crop quality. The findings support biosolids recycling as a sustainable practice for maintaining soil fertility and organic matter in UK agriculture.
UK applicability
These results are directly applicable to UK agricultural practice and policy, as the study was conducted across representative English soil types and agroclimatic zones over two decades. The evidence supports the continuation and expansion of biosolids recycling schemes as part of UK sustainable soil and nutrient management strategies.
Key measures
Soil organic matter (% increase), light-fraction SOM (mg kg⁻¹), available water capacity (%), water infiltration rate, aggregate stability, total nitrogen (%), extractable phosphorus (%), total sulphur (%), earthworm numbers and biomass (relative to control), crop quality
Outcomes reported
The study quantified changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties after 20 years of biosolids recycling at rates of 2.9–3.4 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ across four contrasting English soil types. Measured outcomes included soil organic matter, nutrient content, water capacity, infiltration, aggregate stability, and earthworm populations.
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