Biosolids: soil quality and fertility benefits. UKWIR Report Ref. No. 15/SL/01/8

Biosolids are a valuable source of available plant nutrients and stable organic matter, which can reduce manufactured fertiliser costs and benefit soil structure and fertility. This study investigated the effects of twenty years of repeated biosolids applications at four experimental sites.

Soil samples from the sites were analysed for a range of soil chemical, biological and physical properties; measurement of serial crop yields and quality were also made. The report provides scientifically robust experimental evidence on the benefits of long-term biosolids applications to soil quality and fertility and to the nutrient supply to crops.

The results of the study provide information on the benefits of biosolids use, further helping to secure the agricultural landbank for biosolids recycling.