Ouimet, R., Pion, A.-P. and Hébert, M. 2015. Long-term response of forest plantation productivity and soils to a single application of municipal biosolids. Can. J. Soil Sci. 95: 187-199. After 16 to 19 yr, we revisited four experimental trials set up in the early 1990s to evaluate the long-term impact of municipal biosolids applied in forest plantations. Tree growth and the soil were sampled to determine the effects of a single application of biosolids applied at (liquid equivalent) rates of 0, 130, 200, and 400 m3 ha-1. Tree radial growth responded markedly to biosolids in the young plantations, increasing from 18 % for Pinus resinosa to 62 % for Picea glauca, and up to 700 % for Quercus sp. Increases in phosphorus (P) concentrations in the tree foliage in response to biosolids could still be detected in the conifer trials. In the top 0-5 cm soil layer, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), P, and copper (Cu) concentrations and pools increased, while soil compaction and bulk density decreased. In the deepest soil layer sampled (20-40 cm depth), the total N and calcium (Ca) pools were reduced by the biosolids treatments, while the pool of exchangeable acidity increased. Our observations indicate that a single application of liquid biosolids up to 400 m3 ha-1 (30 t ha-1 DM) in young forest plantations is a sustainable practice without undue risk to such podzolic soils.
How to translate text using browser tools
10 March 2015
Long-term response of forest plantation productivity and soils to a single application of municipal biosolids
Rock Ouimet,
Anne-Pascale Pion,
Marc Hébert
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.

Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Vol. 95 • No. 2
May 2015
Vol. 95 • No. 2
May 2015
bilan de masse pédologique
biosolides municipaux
forest plantation
matiére organique du sol
Municipal biosolids
pedological mass balance
plantation forestiére