Sewage sludge application in Mediterranean agricultural soils: effects of dose on the soil carbon cycle

ABSTRACT

This work investigates the effect of the application rate and type of sludge throughout the soil carbon cycle in a semiarid Mediterranean agro-ecosystem. We study the two-year evolution of the various pools of soil organic and inorganic carbon and their influence on soil respiration. We applied three rates [40, 80 and 160 Mg/ha] of two types of sludge -aerobically and anaerobically digested sewage sludge- in a calcareous Mediterranean soil. The study area is located in the southeast of Madrid [Spain] and is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with a marked seasonal and daily contrast. We analysed soil organic carbon, CO[2] emissions, organic carbon fractions, soluble carbon, and inorganic carbon forms. Measurements were madeat three times over two years, and bimonthly for organic carbon and CO[2]. The results show that sludge type and rate of application exert a significant influence throughout the soil carbon cycle. Aerobic sludge has a greater effect over the short-term. Anaerobic sludge treatment appears to have less effect on the cycle at the beginning of the amendment, but is prolonged over time, as the differences with untreated soil persist even after two years. The application of organic amendments in calcareous Mediterranean soils also modifies the inorganic carbon pools and greatly increases the soil soluble hydrogen carbonates. All of these results are reflected in the rates of soil CO[2] emissions, with the highest values recorded in soils amended with aerobic sludge. Our data points to the advisability of a review of the European Union's recommendations regarding sludge and agriculture. We propose including a sludge stabilization process and recommended application ratesaccording to the effects on soil biogeochemical cycles