Effects of different seasons of biosolids application on tobosagrass growth

Date

1996-08

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Biosolids are a by-product of wastewater treatment with high organic matter content. The use of biosolids to improve arid rangelands has not been extensively studied. Biosolids rates of 0, 14, 36, or 68 dry Mg/ha/yr were applied to tobosagrass (Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth.) in a desert grassland in west Texas. Biosolids were applied twice-a-year either in winter/summer (WS) or spring/summer (SS) for one year only or two consecutive years. Half of the plots were irrigated. In the first growing season, tobosagrass plant length increased with WS appHcations, irrigation and at 36 and 68 Mg/ha application rates. Tobosagrass standing crop increased at the 68 Mg/ha rate in both seasons, with a more dramatic increase (86%) above control rates with WS applications. In the second growing season, tobosagrass length responded to all biosolids rates, WS applications for one year only, and irrigation. Tobosagrass standing crop responded with 26, 51 or 41% increases above the control at 14, 36 or 68 Mg/ha, respectively. Standing crop increased in irrigated plots applied for one year only and for two consecutive years. Biosolids either did not affect or increased tobosagrass plant length and standing crop during the two years of this study. Application of biosolids to desert grasslands appears to offer a viable alternative for biosolids management and recycling.

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