Biosolids/Sewage Sludge

Biosolids are used as a fertilizer on many Georgia pastures, hayfields, and croplands. Farmers who use biosolids say they see improved growth due to the slow release of nutrients and added organic matter. The use of biosolids on their farms helps make them profitable by reducing the costs of fertilizer or lime needed for crops.

For many people, however, land application of biosolids is controversial. They are concerned about possible disease transmission, toxic chemicals, or water pollution. Some of these concerns may be legitimate, if wastewater treatment systems or land application systems are not well managed. The land application program works with farmers, operators and regulators to provide technically sound information about the use of biosolids.

For example, when concerns developed about the levels of metals in fields that had biosolids applied near Augusta, we were able to conduct a study of metals in soil and forages from fields in the area that had used biosolids and compare them with ones that had not. The study indicated that high concentrations of metals were not present in the soil or forage, and that if the federal and state regulations were followed, metals contamination should not occur (see Resources - Long-term biosolids application effects...).

There are several publications and articles on biosolids in the Resources and Links section. If you have questions or need more information, please contact us.