Plant Biomass and Elemental Changes in Shrubland Forages following Biosolids Application

Abstract

Land application of biosolids is a viable management practice for agriculture, but minimal information exists on beneficial uses for native rangeland. This study was conducted to determine the effect of surface-applied biosolids on the canopy cover, aboveground biomass, and nutrient status of native plant species in a sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) community in western Colorado. Biosolids were applied once in 1991 at nine rates consisting of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Mg ha -t to plots measuring 3320 m s. Biosolids application increased the biomass of perennial grasses up to 300% at 25 Mg ha -~ treatment rates in 1993. We also found 60 to 70% increases in plant tissue N concentrations in western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.), bluebunch wheatgrass [A. spicatum (Putsch) Scribn. & Smith], and Indian ricegrass [Oryzopsis hymenoides (R. & S.) Ricker]. The quality of grass forage was also improved through a change in the Cu/Mo ratios. Before biosolids application, the three grasses noted above had Cu/Mo ratios below 1.2/1, which is known to cause Mo-induced Cu deficiencies in cattle (Bovis abortus), sheep (Ovis aries), and some wild ruminants. Biosolids treatment increased the Cu/Mo ratio above 2/1 for western wheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass 1 yr after application at low rates and 2 yr after amendment at intermediate application rates. The Cu/Mo ratio of Indian ricegrass also increased above 2/1 2 yr after surface application at intermediate biosolids application rates. Forage quantity and nutritional value of some native grasses was improved for livestock and wildlife consumption with biosolids application.

Biosolid amendment of a calcareous, degraded soil in a semi-arid environment

“…These findings are similar to those obtained by Biondini and Redente (1986), who reported that plant diversity decreases in the presence of high nutrient levels. No similar pattern was found by Pierce et al (1998), who reported that perennial grasses and shrubs remain the dominant species in a semiarid shrubland after biosolid treatment.…”

Biomass production and heavy metal content of Rosmarinus officinalis grown on organic waste-amended soil

“…For good plant establishment, however, the physicochemical and biological properties of soil usually need to be improved. (Garcı´a et al, 1994;White et al, 1997;Pierce et al, 1998). To achieve this, urban organic wastes such as biosolids or municipal solid wastes might be employed-a useful alternative to simply disposing of them.…”

Shoot and root biomass of desert grasses as affected by biosolids application

“…According to Sommers (1977), anaerobically produced biosolids from a variety of sources had a mean organic-C content of 27?6% and a mean total-N concentration of 5%. Relatively few studies have been conducted to document the effects of land application of biosolids on semi-arid rangelands (Fresquez et al, 1990;Benton & Wester, 1998;Pierce et al, 1998;Jurado & Wester, 2001). Application of biosolids to semi-arid rangelands represents a sound manner of recycling biosolids because it helps to enhance soil nutrient levels in these $ environments (Fresquez et al, 1990).…”