Results Achieved Seven trial sites were established, including a site owned by Ain Shams University and several private farms. At each site, several coordinated arable crop or fruit production trials have been installed, and these will continue over three years. Different types of biosolids from Cairo wastewater treatment plants are being used, including anaerobically digested and composted materials. About 150 acres of test sites have been established. The trials include detailed statistical, multi-factor designs aimed at elucidating the fertiliser values of different types of biosolids in different cropping situations.
Larger trials demonstrate the practicality and value of using biosolids.
Each trial is monitored for crop production and quality, including nutrient efficiency and uptake of heavy metals. All the data from the trials and the biosolids sampling programs will contribute to the development of agricultural extension information to be used during the operational implementation of biosolids reuse in agriculture. The data will also contribute to the scientific basis for regulating biosolids reuse, which is urgently required. Effective operational and environmental controls and well-informed farmers are the essentials for safe, sustainable biosolids reuse programmes. The study will prepare a master plan for biosolids reuse in the Greater Cairo area, taking into account the results of the trials, biosolids quality, farm practices, distances, etc.