Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Crop Science Research Laboratory » Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #248422
Title: Long-Term Effects of Land Application of Class B Biosolids on the Soil Microbial Populations, Pathogens, and Activity

Author
item ZERZGHI, HURUY - University Of Arizona
item GERBA, CHARLES - University Of Arizona
item Brooks, John
item PEPPER, IAN - University Of Arizona

Submitted to: Journal of Environmental Quality
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2010
Publication Date: 2/15/2010
Citation: Zerzghi, H., Gerba, C.P., Brooks, J.P., Pepper, I.L. 2010. Long-term effects of land application of Class B biosolids on the soil microbial populations, pathogens, and activity. Journal of Environmental Quality. 39:402-408.

Interpretive Summary: This study evaluated the effects of land applying municipal Class B biosolids over a twenty year period to cotton fields in Southeastern Arizona. The study was initiated in 1986 at the University of Arizona Marana Agricultural Center, 21 miles north of Tucson, Arizona. Various microbial parameters were measured to determine the deleterious or positive effects of land application on the soil microbial population. Compared to unamended control plots, biosolids application at various rates did not negatively or positively alter the soil microbial population as determined over the twenty year period. No pathogens, both viral or bacterial, were detected via cultural assays in the amended soils when visited 10 months after final land application event which demonstrated that any pathogens introduced by the event died off immediately. Microbial activity was positively influenced in amended plots as demonstrated by increased enzymatic activity, particularly for processes involved in nutrient cycling. This study demonstrated that long-term application of biosolids is sustainable and does not negatively influence the soil microbial population.

Technical Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of 20 annual land applications of Class B biosolids on the soil microbial community. The potential benefits and hazards of land application were evaluated by analysis of surface soil samples collected following the 20th land application of biosolids. The study was initiated in 1986 at the University of Arizona Marana Agricultural Center, 21 miles north of Tucson, Arizona. The final application of biosolids was in March 2005, followed by growth of cotton from April through November 2005. Surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected monthly from March 2005, two weeks after the final biosolids application, through December 2005, and analyzed for soil microbial numbers. December samples were analyzed for additional soil microbial properties. Data show that land application of Class B biosolids had no significant long-term effect on indigenous soil microbial numbers including bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi compared to unamended control plots. Importantly, no bacterial or viral pathogens were detected in soil samples collected from biosolid amended plots in December (ten months after the last land application) demonstrating that pathogens introduced via Class B biosolids only survived in soil transiently. However, plots that received biosolids had significantly higher microbial activity or potential for microbial transformations, including nitrification, sulfur oxidation, and dehydrogenase activity, than control plots and plots receiving inorganic fertilizers. Overall, the 20 annual land applications showed no long-term adverse effects, and therefore, this study documents that land application of biosolids at this particular site was sustainable throughout the 20 year period, with respect to soil microbial properties.