Agricultural methods have taken a new height with farmers now using human waste as fertilizers. It's not uncommon to hear about farmers using animal waste as fertilizers. This however is the first time I ever heard of the use of human waste as fertilizers. So the question that is posed to me today is does this method benefit us? Or is it a method that will be harmful for the community.
First and foremost, what is biosolid? If you guessed the waste that comes out of our behinds, then you guessed right. There is however, more to biosolids. "They are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility. " (1) Biosolids are basically our treated waste that can be used as fertilizers.
Although your stomach might not be able to handle the fact that our waste is used to fertilize agriculture, there are benefits that come with using it as such. Biosolids are organic and provide crops with the nutrients that are needed. It also reduces the need to use chemical based fertilizers. Biosolids are also considered to successfully restore land. Land that has been subject to construction sites could be revitalized by using biosolids. The biosolids improves the fertility of the soil and it also rebuilds the topsoil.
Another benefit that can come from using biosolids as fertilizers is that it can reduce erosion which in turn can protect the water quality. "Adding biosolids to soil also supplies organic nutrients that are released slowly to growing plants. These organic forms of nutrients are less water-soluble and, therefore, less likely to leach into groundwater or be carried away by streams and other surface waters." (2) With the benefits of using biosolids of fertilizers comes the cons. There aren't very many problems with biosolids unless they are not treated properly. If the biosolids aren't treated properly then it could pose as an health problem. Also there is a possibility that it might smell bad.
The use of biosolids on our agriculture can be viewed as a helpful method. Not only can we use this method to help the environment but it is economically efficient. "In communities where disposal costs have risen because of diminishing landfill capacity, biosolids recycling can lower a community's waste disposal costs." (2) I believe that using biosolids are a realistic alternative to the current agricultural practices. This method has been used all over the world and it seems to be working for them. As gross as it might be to use our own waste for planting, it helps us recycle, and has been proven to benefit the environment.
COMMENTS ON BLOGS
RESOURCES
1. "CWWA - FAQ - Biosolids." CWWA/ACEPU. Web. 06 June 2011. < http://www.cwwa.ca/faqbiosolids_e.asp >
2. "Biosolids.com | About Biosolids: Biosolids Benefits." _. Web. 06 June 2011. < http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html >
3. "Agricultural Land Application of Biosolids in Virginia: Risks and Concerns - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension." Publications and Educational Resources - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension. Web. 06 June 2011. < http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-304/452- 304.html >
4. "Real Organic Agriculture: Using Human Waste as Fertilizer." Worldwatch Institute. Web. 06 June 2011. < http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5394 >
5. "Biosolids Benefits to Farmers - Garvey Resources INC - Lansdale PA - Consulting for Biosolids and Environmental Issues." Welcome to - Garvey Resources INC - Lansdale PA - Consulting for Biosolids and Environmental Issues. Web. 06 June 2011. < http://www.garveyresources.com/biosolids-benefits-to- farmers/ >
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