June 1, 2006

A recently released report on the Department of Environmental Quality’s Biosolids Recycling Program showed that 92,363 dry tons of biosolids from 166 different communities were recycled on land in 2005, providing nutrients to crops across Michigan with a value equivalent to over $9,800,000 of chemical fertilizer.

Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge. When treated and processed, these materials can be safely recycled and applied as fertilizer to support a variety of agricultural uses.

Use of organic nitrogen sources, such as in biosolids, provides a time-release source of nitrogen to the crop or ground cover in addition to phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. This process has a lower risk of groundwater contamination than that of commercial fertilizer, and reduces the potential for soil erosion from wind and water on such sites.

The biosolids program enjoys strong support from Michigan’s farmers and agricultural agencies such as the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service. Biosolids Program staff recently participated in the Children’s Water Festival at MSU and explained the wastewater treatment process to approximately 150 fourth and fifth graders from the Lansing area. Each child was given a chance to take home some potting soil made from Class A biosolids along with bean seeds to plant.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised June 1, 2006 by Pat Watson