Biosolids are nothing new. For hundreds of years, cultures around the world have been applying wastewater biosolids to their agricultural land to create nutrient-rich soil. In fact, countries like Germany and the Netherlands use almost all of their biosolids in this way. And why not? What better way to make use of this waste than to create fertile soil that can grow all sorts of crops and become a sustainable source of fuel. 

But what are the benefits of biosolids and how can they improve soil health? We cover some of the basics before taking a deep dive into the benefits of biosolids. 

What are biosolids?

Biosolids are solid organic matter recovered from the sewage treatment process and used as a fertiliser. The sewage consists of wastewater from household activities such as washing dishes and clothes, taking a shower and flushing the toilet. The sewage sludge is treated to reduce disease-causing pathogens and volatile organic matter significantly, producing a stable product, called biosolids, which is suitable for use on agricultural land. 

Biosolids contain a rich variety of minerals and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium, among others. That makes them a fantastic source of nutrients for improving soil health and stimulating plant growth and a cost-effective alternative to manufactured fertilisers.

How can biosolids be used?

Biosolids can be used in all sorts of different ways, from improving and maintaining soils to fertilising gardens and parks, restoring deforested areas and for burning as a biofuel. At O J Neil, we use biosolids to create nutrient-rich soil for growing cereal and energy crops and delivering an excellent harvest.

What are the benefits of biosolids?

There are all sorts of benefits that are making biosolids an increasingly popular choice for farmers, including:

• Improved crop yields – The recycling of biosolids helps to improve soil health and increase crop yield and quality.
• Reduced cost – Biosolids are much cheaper than man-made fertilisers. 
• Reduced fertiliser production – Using biosolids rather than manufactured fertilisers helps to reduce the need for commercial nitrogen, which takes a huge amount of energy to produce. 
• Better soil quality – Biosolids improve the soil’s ability to absorb and store moisture. That reduces irrigation requirements and soil erosion while giving natural drought resistance to the soil. 
• Reduced greenhouse gases – Biosolids store carbon in the soil and delay the release of carbon dioxide from decaying organic material.
• Less landfill waste – Returning the waste to the land rather than sending it to landfill is part of the natural cycle, reducing the environmental impact and conserving landfill space for non-recyclables. 

Meeting your biosolids requirements

Our biosolids are available all year round and we can deliver and spread them for you. Just call 01284 811509 or email office@ojneilcontracting.co.uk to discuss your biosolids requirements with our team.