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Effect of biosolids on a loblolly pine plantation forest in the Virginia piedmont

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Forests in the piedmont of VA may be a good alternative location for land application of biosolids. The objectives of this study were to quantify nutrient availability and tree growth in a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation following the application of different biosolids types, at different rates, and at two different times. The study was installed in September 2005, in a thinned loblolly pine plantation, located in Amelia County in the piedmont of VA. The study was established as a randomized complete block design with nine treatments. The treatments are three different biosolids types (lime stabilized, anaerobic digested, and pelletized), conventional fertilizer (Urea + diammonium phosphate), and seasonal applications (fall or winter). Biosolids increased soil nitrogen (N) availability and tree growth one growing season after application compared to the control treatment. Results for this study indicate that biosolids may be a good alternative to fertilizers to increase forest growth while providing additional sites for the land application of biosolids.

Parent Publication

Citation

Arellano, Eduardo C.; Fox, Thomas R. 2010. Effect of biosolids on a loblolly pine plantation forest in the Virginia Piedmont. In: Stanturf, John A., ed. 2010. Proceedings of the 14th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–121. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 79-83.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/35392