Long-Term Biosolids Applications to Overgrazed Rangelands Improve Soil Health

Overgrazed rangelands can lead to soil degradation, yet long-term land application of organic amendments (i.e., biosolids) may play a pivotal role in improving degraded terms health. However, the effects on health properties response single or repeated, low excessive biosolids applications, semi-arid, overgrazed grasslands have not been quantified. Using Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF), physical, biological, chemical, nutrient, and overall indices between applications (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 21, 30 Mg ha?1) time (single: 1991, repeated: 2002) were determined. Results showed no significant changes physical nutrient indices. chemical index was greater when applied at rates <30 ha?1 within compared repeated applications. The biological positively affected by increasing rates, as application, maximized ha?1. When all combined, considering past plant community findings this site, appeared optimized rate ~10 use tools help determine targeted amendment so material provides maximum benefits soils, plants, animals, environment.