Municipal biosolids an alternative source of nutrients for the production of forages as bioenergy crops

Forages, as all other plants,  require nutrients to grow. The potential to utilize forage plants as bioenergy crops (referred to as lignocellulosic feedstock) and produce greater amounts of biomass provides incentive to look for altenative, local sources of fertilizers. Municipal biosolids, a by-product of waste-water treatment plants, have the potential to provide nutrients for biomass production.  Environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) and method of application (surface application and incorporation) influence the total amount and the rate of nitrogen available for plant growth.

Publications: Agron. J. 102:1308-1313; Agron. J. 102:1314-1320; Agron. J. 103.899-905