278-1 Rate and Management Effects of An Alkaline Stabilized Biosolid On Soil Mineral Nitrogen and pH.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011: 1:05 PM
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Room 214C, Concourse Level

Gordon W. Price and K Liu, Nova Scotia Agricultural College/Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
Alkaline stabilized biosolids, such as N-Viro Soil® (NVS), are increasingly applied in agricultural land as a lime substitute and a nitrogen (N) source. A three-year field experiment, 2008-2010, was conducted to determine effects of application rates of NVS (0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 Mg ha-1) and management practice (NVS annual vs NVS single application) on soil nitrate N (NO3-N), soil ammonium N (NH4+-N) and soil pH.  One reference plot receiving lime at the recommended rate was included. Application rates of NVS significantly increased soil NO3-N compared with the control treatment; however, at most samplings there were no differences in soil NO3-N between the 28 and 42 Mg ha-1 treatments. At peak samplings in July of 2009 and 2010, average soil NO3-N was 27%, 31%, 45% and 48% higher in the 7, 14, 28 and 42 Mg ha-1 treatments, respectively, than in the control treatment. Reapplication of NVS at rates of 14 Mg ha-1 or higher significantly increased soil NO3-N relative to the single application plots. However, when the application rate was 14 Mg ha-1 or lower, no residual effects of NVS on soil NO3-N were observed. Over all sampling periods after the first NVS application, soil pH was 4%, 7%, 11% and 14% higher in the 7, 14, 28 and 42 Mg ha-1 treatments, respectively, than in the control treatment.
See more from this Division: S08 Nutrient Management & Soil & Plant Analysis
See more from this Session: Managing Nutrients In Organic Materials and by-Products: I