Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Biosolids Application to Agriculture
Utilizing Biosolids Analysis to Meet Crop Nutrient Needs

Bulletin 879-99


6. Consider soil moisture, water holding capacity, and soil type.

According to (Ohio NRCS Technical Guide), 1 acre inch of H2O = 27,154 gal/acre

Example:

If the soil balls under pressure and the soil is silty clay, then the soil would have 0.75 inches of available water holding capacity in the top 8 inches and 50 to 75 percent available moisture in the soil (NRCS Technical Guide page 13).

Available Water Capacity

Consideration must be given to the condition of the soil at the time of application. Dry, cracked soils should be tilled prior to application (or, delay application until conditions have improved). Also, if the soil moisture content is too high, sludge may leach or run off the area of application. These conditions represent a direct path for sludge to leave the site or to enter ground water or surface water.

The available water capacity (AWC) of the top 24 inches of soil should be evaluated using the chart on page 13 (source: Ohio NRCS Technical Guide).


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