The use of biosolids on several plantation forests in the NSW Southern Tablelands and Central Western Slopes has been very successful. Land rehabilitation Mining, excessive farming and industrial activities often create soils that are barren, physically and chemically degraded and unable to support plant growth. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion, acidity, and salinity can be the result. Biosolids encourage land rehabilitation, promoting strong, healthy growth. Disturbed and degraded land responds exceptionally well to the high levels of organic matter and plant nutrients in biosolids.
Lime mixed with biosolids can also help rectify acidic soils.
Biosolids have been used successfully to revegetate and rehabilitate many sites including Sydney Airport s third runway, Springwood Golf Course, mine sites and quarries. At BHP s Port Kembla Steelworks site, biosolids have been mixed with coal wash and granulated slag from the steel making process to make a soil substitute. More than 350,000 trees have been planted around the Port Kembla site using this soil substitute. Landscaping and horticulture Composted biosolids can be safely used to improve residential gardens and lawns. Also available in commercial quantities for landscaping, composted biosolids are ideal for public parks and gardens, nature and median strips, and plant nursery products.