Using sludge as an organic slow release fertilizer for crops and grasses grown in Florida would be a beneficial source of nutrients compared to inorganic fertilizers which leach more readily than slow release fertilizers in sandy soils. Before sludge can be used by growers in Florida there is a need to demonstrate that it is a safe and viable source of nutrients for crops in Florida. Researchers at the Ona Research Center are currently evaluating the potential of using sludge as a fertilizer for pastures in Florida. Both field and laboratory studies have been conducted to determine optimum application rates for sludges and the rate of nutrient availability for pasture grasses. Results of a 3-year field study at Ona indicate addition of biosolids can increase both ryegrass and bahiagrass production as well as increasing the protein content of the grasses.
Research also shows that biosolids last longer in the soil than inorganic sources of nitrogen.
Thus, using sludges or biosolids may be an economical alternative source of fertilizer to be considered on pasture grasses in Florida. Back to the Range Cattle Research and Education Center Home Page Back to the Publications Page Back to the Ona Reports Page.