Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Long-term biosolids land application influences soil health

James A. Ippolito, Thomas F. Ducey, Kandis Diaz, Ken A. Barbarick

The Science of The Total Environment · 2021

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Summary

This field-based study examined the long-term cumulative effects of repeated biosolids application on soil health in agricultural systems. Biosolids—nutrient-enriched residues from wastewater treatment—are commonly land-applied to improve soil fertility, yet their sustained effects on soil quality remain incompletely characterised. The work provides empirical field evidence on the sustainability and management implications of biosolids utilisation as an agricultural soil amendment.

UK applicability

The findings are potentially relevant to United Kingdom practice, where biosolids application is a widespread soil management and nutrient recycling strategy. However, direct applicability depends on soil type, climate and regulatory context similarities between the study site(s) and UK conditions.

Key measures

Soil health metrics (specific measures inferred to include physical, chemical and biological soil properties), as suggested by repeated biosolids application and long-term monitoring protocols typical of such work.

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated multiple soil health indicators following repeated, long-term biosolids land application in agricultural field settings. As suggested by the title, the research characterised cumulative effects on soil properties and health metrics over extended application periods.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil health assessment & monitoring
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United States
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148344
Catalogue ID
SNmov5ib87-9p1t3f

Topic tags

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