Tree Planting

Deep-row application of biosolids on gravel spoils, when combined with the growth of nitrogen-demanding hybrid poplar trees, provides a natural recycling system that utilizes nutrients on-site, produces forest products, provides wildlife habitat, and reduces erosion.

Deep-row application of biosolids on reclamation sites is a unique alternative method of land application that solves many of the problems associated with surface application techniques.

A three-year research and Extension education project was implemented to investigate the effect of application rate on water quality resulting from deep row biosolid applications.

Deep row incorporation of biosolids on sand and gravel reclamation sites is a unique alternative land application method that solves many of the problems associated with surface application techniques.

Deep row application has the potential to utilize significant amounts of biosolids produced in the Washington, D.C. region. 

This study reports the migration of nitrogen in a site where deep row incorporation of biosolids was applied, followed by planting of hybrid poplar trees.

Deep-row incorporation involves the one-time application of biosolids in a wide and shallow trench that is covered with overburden, and planted with hybrid poplar cuttings that utilize the nutrients over a 7-9 year rotation. This fact sheet illustrates the income and expenses from such an enterprise.

One of the concerns with applying deep row incorporation of biosolids is the leaching of nitrate and other nutrients from the biosolids into the drinking water supply.

The utilization of biosolids using forestry plantations of hybrid poplar trees solves many of the problems of traditional application methods and holds great promise for our region.

This research will help provide a better understanding of how short rotational woody crop plantations in combination with surface application of biosolids, can provide another beneficial reuse option for biosolids on Maryland’s eastern shore, and yield biomass for energy production or other uses.