Contaminant fate and transport in soil following direct injection of dewatered biosolids

Session: 39. - Managing Agriculture Water and Nutrients - Science Solutions for Tomorrows BMPs

David Lapen, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]
Ed Topp, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]
Natalie Gottschall, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]
Mark Edwards, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, [email protected]

Abstract

Injecting solid manure or biosolids in soil is technically challenging, yet injection is expected to have some positive environmental and odour reduction benefits.  In this talk, injecting dewatered ('solid') biosolids in macroporous tile-drained soil will be discussed in the context of the fate and transport of nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern (CEC). The two land application approaches contrasted are: i) dewatered biosolid direct injection system (DBDIS), developed and patented by Terratec Environmental Ltd., and ii) surface application (beater) + shallow tillage incorporation method.  The field site for this study is a highly macroporous clay loam that facilitates preferential flow to tile drainage systems and shallow groundwater.  Application rates were 8 Mg/ha.  The fate and transport of nitrogen, phosphorus, and CEC (eg., pharmaceutical and personal care products) in subsurface tile and groundwater receptors will be presented.  Further, we will discuss some technical and agronomic concerns associated with the two land application approaches.

1. Keyword
environmental contaminants

2. Keyword
water quality

3. Keyword
nutrients

4. Additional Keyword
biosolids

5. Additional Keyword
tile drainage