Phytoavailability of Biosolids Phosphorus

G. A. O'Connor, D. Sarkar, S. R. Brinton, H. A. Elliott, F. G. Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

134 Scopus citations

Abstract

Efficient utilization of biosolids P for agronomic purposes requires accounting for differences in the phytoavailability of P in various biosolids. Greenhouse studies were conducted with a common pasture grass grown in two P-deficient soils amended with 12 biosolids and a commercial fertilizer (triple superphosphate, TSP) to quantify P uptake and to assess the relative phytoavailabilities of the P sources. Biosolids were grouped into three general categories of phytoavailability relative to TSP: high (>75% of TSP), moderate (25-75% of TSP), and low (<25% of TSP). Two biosolids, produced via biological phosphorus removal (BPR) processes, were in the high category, and mimicked fertilizer P with regard to P phytoavailability. Most biosolids produced by conventional wastewater and solids digestion and additional treatments like composting were in the moderate category. Also included in this category was a BPR that had been pelletized and another BPR supplemented with Al. The low category included biosolids containing greater than normal (>50 g kg-1) total Fe and Al concentrations and processed to high (>60%) solids content.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)703-712
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Environmental Quality
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

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