Distribution and movement of nutrients and metals in a Pinus radiata forest soil following applications of biosolids.
Samples of biosolids, spiked with increasing amounts of Cu, Ni or Zn were applied to field plots in a Pinus radiata forest, and the nutrient and metal status of the forest litter and underlying mineral soil was monitored over a period of six years following application. The macronutrient status of the forest litter was changed markedly by the biosolids application, with substantial increases in N, P and Ca concentrations, and decreases in Mg and K. The C/N ratio of the litter was also decreased and pH was increased by the biosolids application. The metals applied with the biosolids were retained predominantly in the litter layer, and even with non-metal-spiked biosolids there were substantial increases in litter metal concentrations. There was also firm evidence of some movement of Cu, Ni and Zn into the underlying mineral soil. The potential environmental issues resulting from these changes in nutrient and metal status are discussed.
McLaren
Ronald G
RG
Centre for Soil and Environmental Quality, Agriculture and Life Sciences Division, P.O. Box 84, Lincoln University Canterbury, New Zealand. mclaren@lincoln.ac.nz
Clucas
Lynne M
LM
Speir
Tom W
TW
van Schaik
Andrew P
AP
D000327:Adsorption; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D009520:New Zealand; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D028223:Pinus; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014197:Trees
D008670:Metals; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D010758:Phosphorus; D008274:Magnesium; D009584:Nitrogen; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium