Volatilization, Plant Uptake and Mineralization of Nitrogen in Soils Treated with Sewage Sludge

摘要

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to quantify the amount of ammonia volatilization taking place after application of sewage sludge to the soil surface, evaluate the movement of nitrogen and plant uptake from soils treated with sewage sludge, and determine the potential N mineralization in a wide range of sewage sludges. Volatilization of NH3(N)- was found to be dependent upon the method of sludge application, initial soil moisture content and sludge pH. Sorghum plants recovered 7 to 27 per cent of the total sludge N while the recovery of the total N ranged from 8 to 33 percent. Significant losses of sludge inorganic N occurred within 3 days of application.