14 September 2009
The recycling of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) to agricultural land is the best practicable environmental option in most circumstances, working within the bounds of the “Sludge Use in Agriculture Regulations” and the ADAS “Safe Sludge Matrix” . Recycling to agricultural land completes natural nutrient and carbon cycles, enabling farmers to improve the economics of crop production and to improve soil fertility through the addition of valuable organic matter. At present, over 1 million tonnes of biosolids (on a dry solids basis) are recycled to agricultural land, equating to an area of around 150,000 hectares.