“Innovations in Sustainability”
Ag Tech Biosolids Land Application
Land application of biosolids has many benefits to society and farmers:
- Provides a safe and productive end-use for biosolids, a material that is produced by everyone
- Improves the content of badly needed organic matter in low quality soils
- Reduces the use of chemical fertilizers that tend to leach plant nutrients into local ground waters
For example; Traditionally, Alfalfa crops grown though the use of flood irrigation will have a root depth of approximately 48 inches, whereas our Alfalfa crops, through the use of biosolids, sandy loam soil, and pivot irrigation, seem to average only 24 inches of root depth. The benefit here is that our Alfalfa spends more energy growing above ground rather than allocating its energy in creating deep root systems underground in search of both water and nutrients. The result is higher yielding crops!
Biosolids Land Application Methods
Biosolids Land Application Monitoring
The success of the land application project depends on the effectiveness of Ag Tech’s monitoring. AG Tech constantly monitors key critical parameters in each field where biosolids are applied. Some examples of the the monitoring program include:
Ceiling concentration limits (CCL)
Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate (CPLR)
Annual Pollutant Loading Rate
Monthly Average Pollutant Concentrations
Application site inspections are conducted on a periodic, as-needed basis by the generator. These inspections are performed in accordance with the Code of Good Practice for the Land Application of Biosolids. Application site inspections are conducted by the regulating authorities (U.S. EPA, ADEQ) on an annual basis or as often as they deem necessary.