Application of anaerobically digested biosolids to dryland winter wheat: 2006-2007 results

Barbarack, K.A. and Ippolito, J.A. and Gourd, T. and McDaniel, J.P. (2008) Application of anaerobically digested biosolids to dryland winter wheat: 2006-2007 results. Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report.

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Abstract

The application of biosolids to lands in EPA Region 8 (includes Colorado) is the major
method of biosolids disposal, with 85% of the material being reused (USEPA, 2003). This
disposal method can greatly benefit municipalities and farmers by recycling plant nutrients in an
environmentally sound manner (Barbarick et al., 1992).
Our long-term biosolids project, now in its twenty-sixth year, has provided valuable
information on the effects of continuous biosolids applications to dryland winter wheat.
Previous research has shown that Littleton/Englewood biosolids is an effective alternative to
commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizer with respect to grain production and nutrient content of
winter wheat (Barbarick et al., 1992). However, as with other N fertilizers, application rates of
biosolids exceeding the N needs of the crop result in an accumulation of soil nitrate-nitrogen.
Excess soil nitrate-nitrogen may move below the root zone or off-site and contaminate
groundwater or surface waters. The potential benefit of biosolids is that they contain organic N,
which can act like a slow-release N source and provide a more constant supply of N during the
critical grain-filling period versus commercial N fertilizer.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1270
Subjects:	Dryland crops
Depositing User:	Users 6 not found.
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2008 18:50
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2016 15:41
Item ID:	1294
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/1294