Comparison of simulated forest responses to biosolids application
Journal Article
·
· Journal of Environmental Quality
Organic matter and N are added to humus pools of the LINKAGES simulator of forest growth and N cycling at a range of application rates to investigate long-term effects of biosolids (sewage sludge) on forest productivity. Two conifer plantations (Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii], loblolly pine [Pinus taeda L.]) and a northern hardwood forest located in contrasting climatic regions are investigated. Single applications of biosolids are given at 0.5, 10, 20, and 40 Mg/ha, and multiple applications are given on seven occasions at 3-yr intervals of rates of 5 and 10 Mg/ha. Highly significant increases in aboveground phytomass and net primary productivity of Douglas-fir plantations are obtained in a 100-yr simulation with increasing biosolids application rates. Results for loblolly pine from a 50-yr simulation produced about half the growth response of Douglas-fir. Long-term simulations of northern hardwoods showed modest growth responses and small increases in NPP with added biosolids. The phytomass of one overstory and three understory species in the hardwood forest changed in response to different biosolids applications and varying species sensitivity to N supply. Biosolids are a significant resource for enhancing forest productivity, particularly in conifer plantations. Estimates of N leaching losses from simulated forest sites combined with a literature review of leaching losses suggest that biosolids applications at 3-yr intervals with rates less than 8.5 Mg/ha (0.4 Mg N/ha) during active forest growth may pose little off-site contamination risk to ground water or surface waters.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency; US Department of Energy
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-96OR22464
- OSTI ID:
- 20006685
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Quality, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 28; ISSN JEVQAA; ISSN 0047-2425
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Evaluation of sulfur dioxide injury to vegetation on federal lands near the Anaconda copper smelter at Anaconda, Montana
Initial and continued effects of a release spray in a coastal Oregon douglas-fir plantation. Forest Service research paper
Modeling the impact of SO/sub 2/ pollution on the community structure and succession in a coniferous forest of the Western USA
Book
·
Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1973
·
OSTI ID:5195690
Initial and continued effects of a release spray in a coastal Oregon douglas-fir plantation. Forest Service research paper
Technical Report
·
Thu Feb 29 23:00:00 EST 1996
·
OSTI ID:402199
Modeling the impact of SO/sub 2/ pollution on the community structure and succession in a coniferous forest of the Western USA
Conference
·
Mon Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1980
·
OSTI ID:5260956