Best Management Practices for Biosolids Land Application Chief
of Land Application, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Engineer, Environmental Protection Agency Region
VII Jerry D. Carpenter Department of Agricultural Engineering
Biosolids is domestic wastewater sludge that meets standards for
use as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. These standards include
monitoring requirements, metal limitations, pathogen reduction,
vector requirements and best management practices. Applying
biosolids to land uses the available nitrogen, phosphorus and
potash as fertilizer for growing crops. It is an environmentally
sound practice sanctioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
(DNR). Reusing biosolids on crops, pastures and timberland
reduces water pollution. It eliminates the environmental risks
and costs associated with sludge disposal options, benefiting
all Missourians. EPA regulations, under Title 40 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 503