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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #133980
Title: MANURE, COMPOST, AND BIOSOLIDS

Author
item Eghball, Bahman
item BARBARICK, K - CSU COLORADO

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Soil Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2001
Publication Date: 2/1/2002
Citation: EGHBALL, B., BARBARICK, K.A. MANURE, COMPOST, AND BIOSOLIDS. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOIL SCIENCE. P. 806-809. 2002.

Interpretive Summary: Manure, compost, and biosolids (municipal sludge) are organic residuals that contain nutrients and organic matter. They are excellent substitutes for chemical fertilizers. The organic matter in these renewable organic residuals can significantly improve the soil chemical and physical properties and enhance biological activities. Because of nutrients and organic matter in manure, compost, and biosolids, they can be used to improve degraded, eroded, or less productive soils as soil amendments. If not used properly, manure, compost, and biosolids can be a source of environmental pollution.

Technical Abstract: Manure, compost, and biosolids (municipal sludge) are organic residuals that contain nutrients and organic matter. They are excellent substitutes for chemical fertilizers. The organic matter in these renewable organic residuals can significantly improve the soil chemical and physical properties and enhance biological activities. Because of nutrients and organic matter in manure, compost, and biosolids, they can be used to improve degraded, eroded, or less productive soils as soil amendments. If not used properly, manure, compost, and biosolids can be a source of environmental pollution.